Resources Available To Celebrate CTE Month in February
Finding qualified skilled trade professionals continues to be a challenge for builders across the country. To help attract the next generation of skilled trades professionals, NAHB is highlighting Career and Technical Education Month®, or CTE Month®, in February. CTE Month® is a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE.
Career and technical education (CTE) directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. This educational track encompasses a variety of fields from information technology to advanced manufacturing. Educational initiatives within CTE include classroom learning, certification programs and other work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Here are some ways you can help raise CTE awareness during February:
- Participate in Job Shadow Week, Feb. 1-4. Members can host students for a day at their place of business so that students can see real-world examples of careers in action. If your workplace or school is limiting in-person interaction, consider virtually sharing a "day in the life" of your career with a classroom.
- Host a Career Exploration Panel at your home builders' association (HBA) office, Feb. 7-11. Highlight worthwhile job opportunities available in residential construction and rewarding lifestyles.
- Donate equipment, Feb. 14-18. HBAs may be in a prime position to donate equipment or supplies that meet industry standards, ensuring that students in secondary and post-secondary institutions have access to appropriate instruments for the respective career fields they hope to enter.
- Teach a middle school lesson plan for Teach-In Week, Feb. 21-25. Engage students at the middle school level, and create excitement for technical career pathways. View sample lesson plans under the "Lessons Plans" tab.
- Share on social media. Use photos, link to press releases or share your CTE story on social media. Include hashtags #CTEmonth, #CareersinConstruction, #STEM, #WorkforceDevelopment and #CareerTechEd.