According to the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the U.S. economy is facing a projected deficit of 6 million skilled workers by 2032 in fields including agriculture, construction, engineering, health sciences, and hospitality.
New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise.
With a growing demand for skilled workers and evolving industry needs, iCEV has released a new free eBook that provides actionable strategies to help educators and administrators build Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are flexible, future-ready, and deeply connected to their communities.
The resource offers practical insights from district leaders who have successfully built or renovated high-impact CTE centers. It covers funding strategies, construction planning, staffing, student engagement, and adapting programs to meet evolving industry needs. Topics include:
- How to secure funding through bonds, grants, and partnerships
- Planning considerations for new builds and renovations
- Real-world advice from districts in rural and urban settings
- Staffing strategies and recruitment tips
- A comprehensive CTE planner checklist
Districts profiled include:
- Culpeper County Public Schools, Virginia
- Montgomery ISD, Texas
- Payette River Technical Academy, Idaho
- Littleton Public Schools, Colorado
- Roanoke City Public Schools, Virginia
