Career & Technical Education

CTE@WCC

GO FURTHER WITH WCC CTE

Career and technical education is a term applied nationally to schools, institutions, and educational programs that specialize in the skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation.

WCC CTE PROGRAMS

Interested in pursuing a CTE program? WCC offers more than 100 different degrees and certificates in CTE fields. We suggest starting the process by discussing your interests with an advisor from our Advising and Counseling department. Below are a few examples of CTE programs that have been deemed high-wage, in high-demand and requiring high-skill.

Many CTE programs culminate with students taking an industry recognized certification or licensure exam. Often study resources are provided at WCC, and in some cases even a practice exam. The license/certification gives the student sort of a “stamp of approval” that they meet the industry standards for that profession. Oftentimes just having that license/certification allows the student more upward mobility and flexibility to move within that industry.

Each industry often has one or more state or national Associations. Members of these Associations are committed to their profession, serve as subject matter experts, and often offer networking and ongoing training for their membership. While there is often a yearly membership cost, student memberships are greatly reduced (often less than $50 per year). The connections students make within an Association can stay with them throughout their lifetime. They are often a source of camaraderie and where future job openings within that industry are shared. There may even be a student club at WCC tied to that Association. If not, students can still join the state or national Association as an individual member. If unsure about which Association to join, speak with a faculty member about which would be the best fit for your short and long-term goals.

CTE Programs at WCC can provide students with an upfront and fast track to mentors. Mentors are those people we look up to for their leadership, professional advice, or other qualities we admire. Finding a mentor does not need to include a formal request to them. You can have a mentor that is a teacher or coach without them even knowing it. However, sharing with them what you admire may help them be even more intentional about passing on their knowledge and advocating for you. Our WCC faculty and staff come from diverse backgrounds, and chances are you will identify with one or more of them—and we could all use a mentor for personal or professional growth.

Each program at WCC has a designated Academic Advisor (to plan out your degree and/or obtain transfer credit) and Success Coach (to help navigate college and overcome obstacles). The team also includes additional staff who help in a myriad of ways depending on the students’ needs.