CTE Month celebrated for engaging students, promoting employment skills and supporting academic outcomes

CONCORD, NH — Career and Technical Education (CTE) is preparing thousands of students throughout the Granite State with the training and skills needed to achieve real career opportunities. 

This February, which is CTE month, the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Bureau of Career Development is celebrating the many achievements of CTE students and programming statewide. 

“CTE provides learners in New Hampshire with real world experiences, allowing them to find their passions and prepare for high-interest and high-wage careers throughout the state,” said Dr. Jeffry Beard, State Director for Career and Technical Education. 

There are 28 secondary CTE centers and seven postsecondary CTE centers educating and advancing more than 10,000 high school students and 6,500 community college students in New Hampshire. CTE students not only gain valuable career training as part of these programs, but they are also able to earn industry-recognized credentials, accumulate college credit during their high school years and take part in work-based learning opportunities.

“It is important for high school students to start building their resume at such a young age and explore their options before applying to college or going into the workforce,” said Maddy Muller, a student at Concord Regional Technical Center (CRTC) who is working toward obtaining her Licensed Nursing Assistant certification. “CTE is the best opportunity for this – both through practicing hands-on, academic skills and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, self-direction and innovation.” 

New Hampshire’s CTE centers provide valuable programs in the following areas of study: agriculture, aeronautics/aviation/aerospace science and technology, automotive, biotechnology, business and commerce, computer and information sciences, cosmetology, construction trades, criminal justice/fire science/protective services, culinary/catering/restaurant management, digital communication and media, drafting and design technology, education, engineering, family and community services, health sciences, JROTC and manufacturing technology. 

“Collaboration with industry partners often results in student employment opportunities where benefits may include free training, certifications or even financial support to continue their education in higher levels of postsecondary programs and apprenticeship models,” said Courtney Ritchings, director of the Portsmouth High School CTE program. 

A testament to the value of strong CTE programming is the Winnisquam CTE center, which is expected to break ground on its renovation project this summer to expand offerings to include general agriculture, forestry and natural resources, animal and plant science, advanced manufacturing and cosmetology. In addition, renovations are now underway at Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center in Newport to enhance that facility. 

“This type of valuable programming engages students with real-world applications beyond the classroom, which helps prepare them for high-demand jobs and connect them with the business community,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “Students are able to practice hands-on technical skills while gaining a deeper knowledge of correlating academic concepts.”

New Hampshire receives $6 million in funding annually for CTE programming under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act for the 21st Century (Perkins V). In addition to federal funds, New Hampshire has allocated $9 million to support tuition and transportation costs for its secondary centers. The legislature has also supported funding for capital improvement projects that enable CTE centers to remain cutting-edge.