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K12 Academics · Career Pathways

Career & Technical Education & Career Pathways

The fastest-growing priority in American schools. Plain-English guides to Career & Technical Education (CTE), the 16 career clusters, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and dual enrollment — the real-world pathways that prepare students for a career, college, or both.

Career Spotlights cover
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Career Spotlights

The full K12 Academics guide, formatted to read comfortably on screen or print as a clean reference. Free, no sign-up.

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Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree cover
Free PDF · Read or print offline

Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree

The full K12 Academics guide, formatted to read comfortably on screen or print as a clean reference. Free, no sign-up.

View the PDF →Download
Career Pathways cover
Free PDF · Read or print offline

Career Pathways

The full K12 Academics guide, formatted to read comfortably on screen or print as a clean reference. Free, no sign-up.

View the PDF →Download

CTE is no longer “shop class” — it spans health care, IT, engineering, business, the skilled trades, and more, and it pairs academics with real skills, credentials, and work experience. These guides explain the pathways and how to choose among them. New guides are added in batches.

CTE Basics

Start here — what CTE is and how it's organized
What Is CTE?→

Hands-on, career-focused learning — how it works and who it's for.

The 16 Career Clusters→

The framework organizing CTE — from health science to skilled trades to STEM.

Pathways & Experiences

The real-world routes that build skills, credentials & credit
Apprenticeships→

“Earn while you learn” — paid work + training toward a recognized credential.

Work-Based Learning & Internships→

Job shadowing, internships, co-ops & mentorships — real workplace experience.

Dual Enrollment & Early College→

Earn college credit in high school — save time and tuition.

Coming soon

More career-pathways guides, in progress
Industry Certifications & CredentialsCareer & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)Choosing a Career PathwayCTE vs the Traditional College TrackCareer & Technical Centers
Looking for a school built around career training? Browse our career academies, vocational, and construction-trades school types. Browse School Types →