In Florida, career and technical education (CTE) programs are a game changer, offering students an essential pathway to rewarding careers that don’t always require a four-year college degree.

As the state continues to evolve with a growing demand for skilled workers in fields ranging from healthcare and education to construction and manufacturing, CTE programs provide hands-on training, real-world experience and a direct bridge to employment opportunities.

Currently, Florida has nearly 800,000 CTE students in kindergarten through high school. Additionally, there are over 20,000 registered apprentices, according to a Florida Department of Education press release.

These programs are more vital than ever to empower students to pursue financially rewarding careers in high demand across Florida’s thriving economy.

Below, we look at how Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns County schools are bridging the gap for local economies with students equipped with useful life and work skills — all before graduation.

Here’s how school districts are keeping the local talent pipeline hot. 

Flagler County School District

One of the significant advantages that local school districts, such as Flagler, experience with CTE programs is the tendency of students to remain in the region after graduation.

This is all thanks to the programs providing real-world skills and training that often lead straight to paid positions.

Adam Blair, Flagler County Schools Curriculum Specialist for Career and Technical Education, said the district’s firefighter program is a perfect example.

“In a typical high-school firefighter program, when they go through the hoops, they can work as a volunteer firefighter,” said Blair. “Because of our program and the way it’s structured, when our students finish all their qualifications, they can be hired as paid firefighters.”

Blair notes only the top-notch trainees get to that level, but that’s the idea — CTE programs that train skilled students for the local workforce.

In 2024 alone, over 8,000 students received certifications or digital tools in the Flagler County School District. 

Not surprisingly, Blair says healthcare and construction  are two other career areas in high demand because of the area’s massive growth.

“With the growth that we’re having, especially in construction and in healthcare, those are our two major pushes to make sure we have students who have the interest and exposure to those job areas,” he says.

Like most other districts, Blair says there are always ongoing discussions with community stakeholders and higher-education institutions about job trends. He meets quarterly with Flagler College and Daytona State College, along with CareerSource representatives and the Chamber of Commerce to identify needs in the local economy. It generally takes a year to two years to roll out new programs.

“We want to pass off prepared students,” he says.

With career clusters forming detailed curriculum frameworks, students are deep diving into everything from health science to law, marketing and even pre-apprenticeship programs. 

St. Johns County School District

Emily Harrison loves seeing proof that former students are thriving post-graduation.

Recently, a St. Augustine High School student got a job at SpaceX after graduating from Embry-Riddle. That same student wrote a letter for Harrison — director of career and technical education of St. Johns County School District — when she was advocating for student industry certifications.

“It’s gratifying,” she said of seeing student success. “It’s what we’re there for.”

In St. Johns County, nearly 60% of high-school students are involved in CTE programs. Last year, students earned over 3,000 certifications to get them career ready.

Students often gripe about learning challenging concepts and ask when they’ll ever use it, Harrison said. The structured career programs provide that in-depth context by showing students exactly how a particular concept would be used in action on the job.

She explains that it “provides context for the content we teach in core classes.”

Each career academy has a program of study to guide students in their course selection to create the highest chance of success in postsecondary life. From VyStar’s Academy of Business to Stellar Academy of Engineering, students experience everything from guest speakers to job shadowing.

Northrop Grumman Corporation has partnered with the district for 20-plus years to provide students with insights into STEM careers. All of it is done by volunteer employees using their time off to support the schools, says Orv Dothage III, sector manager of Aeronautics Quality Standardization.

“Not everyone needs a [college] degree to enter the workforce,” he says. “Home growing the talent allows manufacturing sites to grow a qualified workforce to meet the needs of our industry.”

Volusia County School District

For Volusia County, the primary goal of its 56 CTE programs is to foster innovation, adaptability and career readiness while also bridging the gap between classroom learning and the evolving workforce.

When Dr. Kristin Pierce, Volusia County CTE Coordinator, looks at occupational data and growing CTE programs, she asks one question: “How are these kids going to leave high school and be gainfully employed and leave mom and dad’s house?”

Dr. Pierce wants to know that when they add career academies like “Culinary Academy” or “Academy of Finance” — as planned for the 2025-26 school year — to a school’s curriculum options, the return on investment will benefit students and the local economy.

Between 2023-24 and 2024-25, the district increased its certifications by 71 percent, further readying students for career and college.

That goal-oriented focus has worked out so well for the district that it has led to over 6,000 industry certifications earned by students. Over the last four years, it has expanded opportunities for honors courses, programs, career academies, career pathways and industry certifications.

Amanda Silva, who also served as the Academy Director for the Technology, Engineering, Science, and Aerospace (TESA) Academy at Atlantic High School, said she continuously sees how the hands-on, real-world experiences build a strong foundation for student success.

“I’ve had the privilege of helping many students earn scholarships and pursue colleges, universities and programs they once thought unattainable,” Silva said.

“Highlights include witnessing students take their first discovery flight, earning a private pilot’s license or passing a challenging certification,” she said. “Supporting them as they reach their individual goals has been the most rewarding part of my career, and I’m truly grateful for those experiences.”