OCTAE is offering states a year-long opportunity to receive in-depth and customized technical assistance (TA) in career pathways system development. We are seeking states willing to engage in intensive state-level TA and committed to meaningful career pathways system development. Selected states will work with a dedicated coach and engage in a readiness assessment, regular coaching sessions, topical webinars, and peer mentoring. Application Forms must be submitted by 3:00 P.M. EST on June 10, 2016.
Criteria for Participation:
State leadership support, as evidenced by a letter from the state committing to state participation in this project;
- Creation of a state career pathways team with state and local representatives from secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, economic development, business and industry, and human and social services;
- Commitment of state team to participate in all required TA activities, such as site visits, coaching calls, and webinars; and
- Commitment to create and execute a plan to move the career pathways system forward.
Key Terms:
Career Pathways
A combination of rigorous and high quality education, training, and other service that:
- aligns with the skill needs of industries in the economy of the state or regional economy involved;
- prepares an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options, including registered apprenticeships;
- includes counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;
- includes, as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;
- organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual to the extent practicable;
- enables an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least one recognized postsecondary credential; and
- helps an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster.[1]
Career Pathways System
A series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry-relevant certification, obtain employment within an occupational area, and advance to higher levels of future education and employment. [2]
Career pathways systems connect with and align public education and training systems to each other and to industry sectors and employers. These systems require long-term partnerships to achieve system-building opportunities, often leveraging short- and medium-term relationships.[2]