Career & Technology Education

St. Mary’s County Schools' Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs are designed to provide students with 21st Century Skills in preparation for the workplace and/or a seamless transition to a post-secondary education experience. Students enrolled in CTE course are exposed to a wide range of current and emerging technologies, work-based learning opportunities, and extended classroom experiences bring each class to life. Today, more than ever, employers want to hire entry-level employees who can hit the ground running. This is where career and technical education comes in. CTE is a broad term for education that combines academic and technical skills with the knowledge and training needed to succeed in today’s labor market. CTE doesn’t replace academic learning; it complements traditional education by helping students at every level while developing practical skills. High-quality CTE programming links secondary and postsecondary education in a sequenced series of courses, aligns curriculum with industry-validated standards, and provides hands-on, with opportunities to work-based learning experiences that enable students to apply their skills.