Schools today face a real challenge: teaching students the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. Employers are not only looking for book smarts, but also graduates with applicable, hands-on knowledge. That’s where career and technical education (CTE) programs come into play.

CTE programs are designed to help students gain technical and soft skills, practical experience and industry certifications to make them job-ready as soon as they graduate.

So, how can schools develop educational offerings that prepare students for the workforce? Let’s discuss five key trends schools can use to create future-proof CTE programs.

1. Industry-Driven CTE Program Development

Did you know the United States faces a projected shortage of 6.5 million skilled workers by 2030? That’s a huge gap! The solution?

Employers are partnering with schools to co-design the education process, making sure career and technical education programs address the ever-widening skills gap. In some cases, employers are co-funding these initiatives, contributing to the development of facilities, equipment and curriculum that reflect current industry standards.

Butler Tech in Hamilton, Ohio is one of the schools leading the charge with industry-driven program development. As industries change, Butler Tech continuously looks for ways to expand its CTE offerings to meet workforce demands. Some key initiatives include:

1.  Advanced Manufacturing Hub: In collaboration with Miami University and local businesses, Butler Tech is opening a $31 million hub to train students in advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics and engineering.

2.  Aviation Education Hangar: In partnership with the City of Middletown, JobsOhio and REDI Cincinnati, a $15 million facility is opening in 2026 at Middletown Regional Airport to train students in aviation maintenance, private pilot programs, engineering and unmanned aircraft systems.

3.  Bioscience Center Expansion: With student applications up 15%, Butler Tech is expanding its Bioscience Center to strengthen healthcare education. The $12.1 million project, backed by a $7.2 million Ohio Career Technical Construction grant, will allow more students to pursue healthcare pathways through hands-on partnerships with hospitals and educational institutions.

The importance of industry-driven feedback in shaping CTE offerings cannot be overstated. Adam Wehling, an agricultural education expert at a Wisconsin-based technical college, highlights that industry collaboration is not just important, it’s integral to their career and technical education program development.

“We have more than 100 programs, each with an advisory committee of local businesses. We meet every fall and spring to discuss trends, changes and skill set adjustments needed,” said Wehling. “We’re always fine-tuning, based on real-time feedback from industry partners.”

By collaborating with employers and staying current with industry shifts, Butler Tech and other schools can create CTE programs that successfully teach relevant skills to help close the skills gap.

2. Flexible, Fast-Track Pathways

Not every student follows the same path. Some students may be ready to jump straight into college-level courses while still in high school, while others benefit from a more extended timeframe to explore different areas. To accommodate students’ diverse needs, career goals and schedules, schools like Butler Tech are introducing flexible program lengths ranging from one-semester to three-year tracks.

Plus, programs like Butler Tech’s Early Access Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 1+3 Program allow high school students to begin their college-level education while still in school. This allows students to complete a BSN in only three years post-graduation, saving them time and money! Plus, it helps address the urgent nursing shortage. According to a 2022 Health Workforce Analysis by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, the United States is projected to face a shortage of over 78,000 full-time registered nurses this year and more than 63,000 by 2030. This program gives students a chance to enter a high-demand field at a critical time.

3. Technology-Integrated Learning

Technology advancements are changing every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate to how we work and learn. As technology evolves, schools must find ways to stay current with the latest tools and equipment. Thankfully, schools can leverage many funding opportunities and industry partnerships to modernize their CTE resources.

Through initiatives like the Super RAPIDS grant and partnerships with industry leaders like Yaskawa, Butler Tech provides students with hands-on experiences using state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech training environments that mirror real-world workplaces.

4. Flexible Learning Spaces

As industries change and new career paths emerge, schools need to be able to pivot quickly. That’s why many schools are designing their CTE classrooms with modular furniture and multi-use workspaces.

At Butler Tech, flexibility is the cornerstone of designing spaces for emerging career pathways. The ongoing Bioscience Center Expansion Project is an excellent example of this strategic planning. This marks the second expansion of the Bioscience Center, which will give even more students opportunities to pursue healthcare pathways while having access to cutting-edge equipment and facilities.

This proactive approach is mirrored across Butler Tech’s other projects, including the Aviation Education Hangar and the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. By emphasizing adaptable designs and planning for growth, Butler Tech ensures its students have access to innovative learning environments that reflect real-world workspaces.

Adam Wehling also shared his expertise on flexibility in learning spaces.

“When we look at CTE spaces, the biggest need is robust working surfaces. You might be suturing bananas in a vet science class one hour, tearing apart a carburetor the next or mixing sausage in another,” said Wehling. The need for versatile surfaces is critical in CTE spaces, where the activities can change from one hour to the next.

Wehling also highlighted the importance of technology integration, pointing out the growing need for flexible charging stations and power outlets to support devices. “We don’t have the luxury of different labs for each class. You use the same space but flip its purpose,” said Wehling. That means classrooms need to be designed to support a variety of tasks and the technology that comes with them.

By combining insights from industry experts and their own strategic planning, Butler Tech and other schools ensure learning spaces can support today’s career and technical education programs.

5. Sustainability and Green Careers

Sustainability is the future. As industries move toward greener practices, the demand for workers with green skills is growing fast. In fact, LinkedIn reports a 22.4% increase in jobs requiring green skills from 2022 to 2023.

Schools are responding with career and technical education programs focused on teaching skills in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and environmental conservation. But beyond job training, these programs also teach students skills that help build stronger, more sustainable communities.

“These programs teach students environmental stewardship skills like gardening, wildlife conservation and water quality management,” said Wehling. “These lessons not only prepare students for careers but also promote sustainable practices that benefit communities.”

What’s Next For CTE?

The most successful career and technical education programs are industry-aligned, flexible and tech-forward. Schools that embrace partnerships, innovation and sustainability will give students the best shot at long-term career success.

Ready to future-proof your CTE program? It all starts with learning environments that grow with students. Fill out the form below to access our CTE Spotlight, featuring a collection of room renderings designed to spark ideas for your own CTE classroom.