LEADERSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

“Leadership development can be taught at any age — and companies wait far, far too long to begin.”
–Jack Zenger, Harvard Business Review

WE ARE WORKFORCE READY

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) provide a proactive approach to workforce development. By infusing key elements of leadership development with technical training, our students are equipped with the employability skills needed to meet hiring demands by employers in industry.

CTSO students are “workforce ready” before they apply for their first job or begin their career.

Our mission is to strengthen Alabama’s workforce readiness and state economy by providing today’s youth with the training, skills, and experience necessary to become contributing members of society. Through collaboration between education and industry, CTSOs promote industry-relevant learning and leadership development by serving as stewards for the Alabama workforce pipeline.

The technical expertise and certifications provided in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is not enough to be successful in the workforce. Students need essential soft skills and 21st century skills of how to work in teams, solve complex challenges, and communicate and collaborate. These skills come to life through real-world experiences in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).

CTSOs get students involved outside of the classroom and provides them in an immersive technical learning environment. Students have opportunities for work-based learning, career development, internships and employment. Through the CTSO approach to education, students earn a holistic learning experience and are better prepared to enter the workforce.

For every $1 invested in CTSO and Career and Technical Education programs, there is an amplified return of $10 to the state’s economy. Partnership and investment from the community and industry is the key lever that makes the CTSO experience possible and generates additional support. This funding model is inclusive of all stakeholders – parents, industry, federal/state/local sources, and the students themselves. With everyone invested, everyone has ownership, and Alabama wins.

INDUSTRIES SERVED

We Prepare Leaders to Serve These Industries Through Their Future Careers

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Architecture & Construction

Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Business Management & Administration

Education & Training

Finance

Government & Public Administration

Health Science

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services

Information Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Manufacturing

Marketing

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Learn more about Career Clusters & Career Pathways at Advance CTE.

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Unique CTSO Members
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Courses Being Taken
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of Alabama High School Students Currently Enrolled in at Least One CTE Class
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Paid Work Hours and Internships on the Job

What Our Supporters Say

The biggest lesson I have learned from my CTE courses is that anyone can be a leader. If they have passion and they are willing to develop the best leadership skills, they can and will be an amazing leader.

Elizabeth, SkillsUSA Student Leader

Youth leadership opportunities are important for students to be able to share their passions and enthusiasm, hear encouraging stories from national leaders and bring back lessons that are applicable to future projects and most importantly, an individual’s dreams. You are preparing for a world that is constantly changing, and the future is incredibly bright for Alabama’s students.

Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama

My CTE experience has taught me the importance of always striving to be better today than you were yesterday.

Millie Grace, FFA Student Leader

CTE and my CTSO have been an eye-opening experience that has taught me how to not only lead others, but also how to lead myself as well.

Anna Kim, DECA Student Leader

86%

of Secondary CTE students had positive placement outcomes one year after graduation including: military enlistment, employment, advanced technical training, and post-secondary enrollment.

94%

CTSO STUDENT GRADUATION RATE

70%

CTSO STUDENTS PURSING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

46%

OF EMPLOYERS HAVE UNFILLED POSITIONS DUE TO LACK OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

TESTIMONIALS

“I am where I am today because my career and technical education means everything to me.”
LA’JADA, Alabama HOSA Member
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my CTE experience is that you’re stronger than you think.”
GRACE, Alabama JAG Student
“I am where I am today because I have great people who care about my future.”
ZACK, Alabama FCCLA Member

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MAKE AN IMPACT IN ALABAMA’S WORKFORCE BY INVESTING IN THE LIVES OF OUR STUDENT LEADERS

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