Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career Pathways are career-related courses and related experiences that help students go deeper in their career exploration journey and learn about a career field and the related career pathways in that field.  

Leading and managing CTE is challenging, especially if an administrator has been handed the responsibility, but doesn’t have a deep background in the world of CTE.

Guidance from the federal Perkins Act and state departments of education emphasize that CTE programs need to be sequenced, aligned with workforce demands, offer early postsecondary education options, engage business and industry partners, and offer Work-based Learning experiences. Federal law also requires an extensive system evaluation every two years called the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA).

Through our customized coaching and technical assistance, we will help you and your leadership team to develop career pathway programs, improve existing programs, evaluate your CTE system, and create strategic improvement and action plans. Our tools and training help you engage your teachers and school counselors, provide effective leadership of others through the change process, and engage your business and community partners. 

Consulting & Professional Development Services

In general, there are three types of services we can provide to support you relating to Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Career Pathways:

  • A single or series of 3-to-4-hour workshops in-person or virtual
  • A series of workshops, in-person or virtual, with additional follow-up coaching sessions for small groups leaders and/or instructors
  • Incorporating this training and coaching into a larger consulting agreement that includes other consulting and coaching services

CTE Quality Review

The Perkins Act and state education regulations require that CTE programs be of sufficient size, scope, and quality to deliver a strong educational experience for students.  CTE programs must also promote access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. NC3T offers a program quality review process to its clients and can conduct on-site program reviews and technical assistance to ensure that CTE programs are of high quality.

Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) for CTE

Every two years, recipients of federal Perkins Act CTE funding are required to carry out a Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). NC3T provides guidance and support to carry out the process, helping facilitate data analysis, alignment of programs to workforce needs, and facilitation with all the stakeholders who must be engaged to provide input and feedback for the CLNA.

Creating a Pathways System

A Pathways System is more than a set of CTE programs. It is an inclusive system of supportive policies and strategies that include career development, quality CTE pathway programs, employer engagement with work-based learning, and a focus on building a community coalition.  You can learn more about how we support schools and districts in the development of pathway systems by clicking here.

To request more information, or to get started, click here!