* Career and Technical Education (CTE): This is a broad umbrella term encompassing many specific skill training programs. CTE programs often involve hands-on learning, internships, and apprenticeships.
* Vocational Training: This focuses on specific trades or occupations, like carpentry, welding, nursing, automotive repair, or culinary arts. It often leads to certifications or industry-recognized credentials.
* Specialized Programs: These might focus on particular industries or emerging technologies, such as cybersecurity, coding, digital media, or robotics.
* Apprenticeships: These are structured training programs where students combine classroom instruction with on-the-job experience under the supervision of a skilled worker.
* Internships: These provide students with real-world experience in their chosen field, often working part-time for a company while still in school.
The goal of skill training in high school is to:
* Prepare students for the workforce: By acquiring practical skills, graduates can enter the job market immediately after graduation.
* Develop employability skills: These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all crucial for success in any career.
* Increase college and career readiness: Some skill training programs provide pathways to college credit or articulation agreements with vocational schools or colleges.
* Provide alternative pathways to success: Skill training offers students who may not thrive in traditional academic settings a different route to achieving their goals.
In short, skill training in high school offers a more practical and hands-on approach to education, equipping students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers.