Description
The engineering and design industry sector provides a strong foundation in engineering and design for students in California. The students are engaged in an instructional program that integrates academic and technical preparation and focuses on career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation in five pathways. To prepare students for the vast scope of job opportunities in this field, middle schools, high schools, regional occupational centers and programs, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities provide education and training in engineering-related occupations. The demand for engineers in a variety of specializations throughout the state and the nation will remain high.
The five pathways in this sector emphasize real-world, occupationally relevant experiences of significant scope and depth. To prepare students for continued training, advanced educational opportunities, and direct entry to a career, the engineering and design programs offer the following components: classroom, laboratory, and hands-on contextual learning; project-based and work-based instruction; internships, community classroom, and cooperative career technical education; work experience education; and leadership and interpersonal skills development.
Engineering Industry Sectors Program Summary
Engineering and Design Industry Sector Pathways
- Architectural and Structural Engineering
- Computer Hardware, Electrical, and Networking Engineering
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Technology
- Environmental and Natural Science Engineering
Sample of Career Technical Education Courses
Illustrates: Education level and related occupations for architectural and structural engineering, computer hardware, electrical, and networking engineering.
Resources
- Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards (PDF; 4MB; 441pp.) May 2005 Edition.
- Career Technical Education Framework (PDF; 10MB; 484pp.)
- CA Partnership Academies
The academy model is a three-year program, grades ten through twelve, structured as a school-within-a-school. Academies incorporate integrated academic and career technical education, business partnerships, mentoring, and internships. - CTE Online (Outside Source)
CTE Online is poised as a resource devoted to connecting educators and leaders within the unique field of CTE to quality professional development tools. - Regional Occupational Centers and Programs
Career and workforce preparation for high school students and adults, preparation for advanced training, and the upgrading of existing skills. - California Department of Education Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship is a system of learning while earning, and "learning by doing." It combines training on the job with related and supplemental instruction at school. - California Department of Industrial Relations Apprenticeship Web page (Outside Source).
- SkillsUSA California (Outside Source)
Since 1965 SkillsUSA has provided leadership training to students and instructors in the career and technical education arena.
Contact Information
Lloyd McCabe, Ed.D, Education Administrator I
John Dunn, Education Programs Consultant
Career
Technical Education Leadership and Instructional Support Office
Career and College Transition Division
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
