This is Career and Technical Education Month in Michigan, a chance to highlight CTE programs offered by schools and colleges across the state, including Bay College and the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District.

With nearly 500,000 job openings projected in Michigan each year through 2032, CTE offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways.

CTE programs are aligned with in-demand careers in fields such as business, information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing.

Most high school programs also offer early college credit opportunities to provide a seamless transition to post-secondary education.

“Career and Technical Education programs prepare Michiganders of all ages for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a proclamation for CTE Month. “CTE programs also support Michigan businesses by developing the talent they need to fill jobs and grow our economy. Through our ongoing commitment to supporting our workforce, we’re creating opportunities for people to get the skills they need to secure brighter futures in Michigan.”

Studies show that students enrolled in state-approved CTE programs have significantly higher high school graduation rates and higher earnings in the labor market. They acquire skills that prepare them for successful career entry, advancement and/or continuing education.

“In addition to providing career pathways, in many cases CTE programs engage children and give them compelling reasons to connect with school,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.

During the 2023-24 school year, CTE enrollment in Michigan hit a high of 112,156 secondary students, 9% greater than the pre-pandemic level. A total of 52,625 students completed the program during the 2023-24 school year, the highest level in history, with a 19% increase over the past three years.

“The education and hands-on training Career and Technical Education students receive gives them a head start on their path to a certificate in professional trades, registered apprenticeships or a college degree and a good-paying career,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Michigan’s post-secondary institutions offer 1,572 unique CTE programs leading to a certificate or associate degree. During the 2023-2024 school year, 122,062 students were enrolled in these programs across the state.

Michigan also offers Early Middle Colleges, a Michigan Department of Education-approved five-year program of study. EMCs work closely with post-secondary partners to provide students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following: 60 transferable college credits, an associate degree, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College Association technical certificate and/or participation in a registered apprenticeship.

Students, parents, educators and others interested in exploring career options, training, wages and projected openings can visit Michigan’s free online career exploration tool, Pathfinder, at https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/. Additional high school CTE resources and information may be found on MDE’s website at https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/octe.

Courses offered through the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District can be found online at the website https://www.diisd.org/page/technical-education.

For more information on the trade programs available at Bay College, go online to https://www.baycollege.edu/academics/programs/trade-programs.php. In addition, details on a number of career pathways offered through Bay can be found at https://www.baycollege.edu/academics/career-pathways/index.php.

Also, the public can access MiSchoolData.org — the state of Michigan’s official online source for pre-K, K-12, post-secondary and workforce data to help residents, educators and policymakers make informed decisions to improve student success.