WHAT WE DO
We Build Alabama’s Future Workforce
WE ARE THE STEWARDS OF THE ALABAMA WORKFORCE PIPELINE
CTSOs serve as the caretakers of Alabama’s future employees. By bringing together the four pillars of success – Pupil, Parent, Public, and Private – we are ensuring industry and career relevance within the educational system and bridging the gap in the transition from school to career.
Students are enrolled in technical courses and programs that teach the skills necessary to perform specific jobs in industry. They are achieving their academic learning within a technical training environment and then provided the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop their technical skills through CTSO programs and activities.
We nurture the personal development and self-awareness of your future employees.
CTSOs provide opportunities to explore and develop soft skills such as work ethic, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-confidence. Through competitions, hands-on workshops, conferences, team collaborations, and opportunities to serve the community, students apply their growth, learning, and development to tangible career-related experiences.
We value the long-term impacts of workforce development.
Progress in workforce development cannot happen overnight. It takes years of learning, mentorship, and experience to grow an employee holistically in their personal and professional development. By providing today’s youth with the technical and leadership training in industry, they gain a head start in developing their employability skills.
WE INVEST IN ALABAMA
Alabama’s CTSOs and CTE Programs (DECA, FBLA-PBL, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, JAG, JROTC, SkillsUSA and TSA) are the dual solutions to the workforce shortfall and our need for highly skilled and talented employees. For nearly 75 years, these programs operating at the middle school, high school, and post-secondary level have been producing graduates with essential soft skills and technical skills ready for the world of work.
Throughout history when America has needed to advance and increase its skilled workforce, we have turned to Career and Technical Education (formerly vocational education) and Career and Technical Student Organizations to fill the gap—and they have answered every time. The states who have invested the earliest gain the longest sustained economic advantage.
WE INVEST IN THE
GROWTH OF FUTURE LEADERS
CTSO students are leaders. Leaders are learners, networkers, collaborators, innovators, and contributors. Through CTSOs, students have opportunities to serve in leadership positions, work in teams, generate ideas, problem-solve, cast vision, and drive execution successfully. We are the home to the future leaders of industry.
WHO WE SERVE
We Help CTSOs Serve Business and Industry
CTSOs serve business and industry and the overall economy of the state of Alabama by investing in the youth of today so that they can become the strong workforce of tomorrow.
With more than 2 million student members combined, Career and Technical Student Organizations integrate into Career and Technical Education programs and courses across the country. CTSOs extend teaching and learning through innovative programs, business and community partnerships and leadership experiences at the school, state and national levels. CTSOs are a powerful avenue for helping our nation address key challenges such as workforce development, student achievement, economic vitality and global competitiveness. CTSOs are authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
TESTIMONIALS
“I am where I am today because my education means everything to me.”
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my CTE experience is you are stronger than you think.”
“I am where I am today because I have great people who care about my future.”
