Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz., has introduced a semiconductor curriculum as part of its career and technical education program, in partnership with local colleges and chip manufacturers. The program gives students hands-on experience with chip design and electronics, as well as dual-enrollment credits and internship opportunities.

South Carolina high schools are increasingly prioritizing career and technical education pathways, enabling students to graduate with industry-recognized certifications in fields such as emergency medical services, manufacturing and cosmetology. Despite state laws mandating career-focused curricula and planning, the variety and breadth of CTE programs differ significantly between urban and rural districts, with larger districts offering more clusters and specialized opportunities.

Beaumont, Texas, leaders are collaborating to encourage youth to pursue technical degrees and career opportunities through a joint campaign involving the Beaumont ISD Board of Trustees, the City Council, the Lamar Institute of Technology, labor professionals, city staff and public safety officials. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by local youth, including socioeconomic disadvantages and a lack of guidance.

Lewisville Independent School District in Texas has expanded its career and technical education facilities and programs, adding dental assisting, welding and off-road diesel construction to the curriculum. The expansion, funded by a $16 million bond, addresses increased enrollment and workforce needs and provides students with hands-on experience and career readiness.

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees has approved the creation of the Career Readiness Education Skills Training Center, a workforce development center in partnership with Arkansas State University-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College. The center, supported by a $7.5 million grant and $13 million in funding, aims to address the growing need for job-ready talent in manufacturing and food processing.

More Americans are accepting part-time and less-than-ideal work as the labor market weakens, with the broader unemployment rate, which includes those who have given up on finding a job, reaching 8.1% in August. Many people are taking part-time jobs outside their fields to make ends meet, often without benefits or sufficient income. Many employers are managing rising labor costs by increasing part-time roles instead of layoffs.

Employment in the US oil and gas extraction sector has slipped by about 4,000 jobs since January, dropping from 123,100 to 119,100 in August, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. While preliminary, the figures reflect a steady decline in recent months and add to longer-term volatility in industry employment.

Emerging technologies could help address the construction industry's aging workforce and labor shortage, says Cameron Clark, earthmoving industry director at Trimble. Technologies such as reality capture, drones, lidar and artificial intelligence can make construction more appealing to younger generations and enhance safety by reducing onsite risks, Clark says.

• An article in the Journal of Career and Technical Education highlighted outcomes of CTE concentrators, and another article in that journal examined how students value and perceive CTE.
• A report from American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future examined how states are developing career navigation systems.
• A report from the Community College Research Center explored how the characteristics of dual enrollment partnerships in the state of Texas have affected student outcomes. 

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ACTE has published a new resource, the Special Populations Repository, to provide CTE practitioners with access to strategies, tips and examples to support students in special population groups. Read more.