From culinary to computers, the West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) will host more than 300 students and instructors at the State Capitol for CTE Day at the West Virginia Legislature. The event, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, allows students to bring their CTE programs to Charleston, set up interactive booths and offer demonstrations and explanations for legislators. The day is a part of CTE Month, a national recognition focusing on the important role these programs play in educating students and supporting the economic needs of the state and the nation.

CTE allows students to explore a vast landscape of careers while developing hands-on and practical skills. In addition to high-level learning, classrooms and technical centers challenge students with a core course load that not only applies to their various disciplines but also aligns with the West Virginia Classroom- and Career-Readiness Standards. The WVDE works with counties to ensure these programs offer unique, engaging and creative learning opportunities for students while preparing them for expansive opportunities after graduation.

In the Mountain State, CTE touches nearly 66,000 students from grades 6-12. Exposure to the 16 national career clusters is guided by instructors who often bring industry-rich experience with them to the classroom. This allows students to advance their interests and often acquire industry-standard certificates before they leave public schools.

Projections estimate the shortage of skilled workers will continue through 2030. The vestiges of this are apparent today in the healthcare, carpentry and HVAC industries as well as other critical areas.

“Career readiness is the cornerstone of all educational frameworks,” said WVDE Assistant Superintendent of PK-12 Adult Instruction and Career Engagement Clinton Burch. “By introducing career pathway knowledge early, we empower students to graduate with the ability to merge academic knowledge and technical skills, enabling them to solve complex problems across a variety of disciplines. We are excited to visit the Capitol and allow our students to share their projects and experiences with state legislators.”

Students and instructors from 32 schools along with five career technical student organizations will be in attendance.

Learn more about these and other CTE programs on the WVDE website at CareerTechWV.