Eva Mitchell, the CEO of the Coalition for Career Development Center, is leading an industry-led coalition that aims to prioritize career readiness for students. The traditional divide between career and technical education (CTE) and academic education is rapidly blurring, with a focus on how to leverage both pathways to support young people in acquiring the technical skills needed for future success.
In the past, access to technical skill development declined as industrial arts programs were eliminated and skills-based education was de-prioritized in favor of standards-based education. This led to a decrease in global competitiveness and academic achievement. The need for learners to have strong academic and technical skills is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing job market.
The mindset toward skill development pathways is shifting from an “either/or” to an “and” approach. Students now need basic computer literacy skills for almost every career, and in the future, advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence and robotics will become essential. High-quality CTE pathways offer students opportunities to increase earning potential, graduate on time, and have increased success in pursuing higher education and employment.
States are working to develop more holistic standards of college and career readiness, such as California’s College/Career Indicator, which includes measures of both college and career readiness. Every student deserves access to a range of technical skills, from basic to industry-specific, for future success. Leaders in education, non-profits, and businesses can work together to provide learners with the resources they need to secure employment in their chosen careers.
It is important for leaders to engage in meaningful conversations with learners to help them explore postsecondary opportunities and develop personalized career plans. Digital literacy must be prioritized in education to prepare students for future job opportunities. Work-based learning programs offer valuable experiences for students to learn skills, build networks, and gain a deeper understanding of their chosen industry.
The Coalition for Career Development Center is working to improve the condition of career readiness for students of all ages. They emphasize the importance of changing the way we think about career readiness and leveraging opportunities for technical skill development. Working together, we can make career readiness for all a priority in American education and workforce development.
