Strengthening College Programs in Career and Technical Education: Analysis and Recommendations for Improving Cte in the California Community College System

This study identified core strengths of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that provide preparation for a State Licensure Exam in California. Strengths and weaknesses in these programs were identified and used to recommend the strengthening of CTE programs. The study also examined CTE programs in Southern California, using representative California Community Colleges (CCC) to develop a model for strong CTE offerings at an individual institution. Statistics relating to elements of a strong CTE program were collected and analyzed. This study showed that strengthening CTE in the CCC system during the financial and labor market crisis can be accomplished by sustaining relevant programs and creating new programs that meet the ever changing technological demands of the workforce.