Career and Technical Education (CTE) News and Information
September 2026
Career and Technical Education provides all students access to high-quality, rigorous career-focused programs that result in attainment of credentials with labor market value.
Welcome Back to a New School Year
As a new school year begins think about the Purpose and Value of CTEand the importance of CTE Career Pathways. Teachers, guide students to a Career Pathway that will help them gain the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. Students, plan for your future by participating in Career and Technical Education. CTE provides opportunities for concurrent enrollment, industry-recognized credentials of value, and meaningful work-based learning experiences. Participation in CTE will save you time and money towards postsecondary training. Learn the skills today that you will use in your future career. Study hard, stay in school, and set a goal to complete a CTE Career Pathway. We wish you a successful school year!
Raise the Visibility of CTE
Below are a few Utah CTE publications and resources to assist you in promoting your CTE programs. Use these publications and resources to raise the visibility of Career and Technical Education in your classroom.
Career Snapshots
Utah CTE has created a collection of 50 Career Snapshot flyers for LEAs to use to promote the CTE programs in their schools. Each Career Snapshot includes two pages. The first page highlights high school to college and career information and the second page highlights industry and labor maket facts. Contact your CTE director to access the 50 Career Snapshot flyers via SharePoint.
CTE Recruitment Guide
What strategies are you using to market your CTE programs and recruit students? Utah CTE has resources to assist you. The CTE Recruitment Guide can help you think about different strategies to use to market your CTE programs and recruit students. Don’t forget to showcase and promote your CTE programs using social media, the web, and print publications. Here are some ideas of How to Promote Your CTE Program.
Summer Vacation
What did you do during your summer vacation?
Members of Utah Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) attended their respective 2026 National Leadership Conference to compete at the highest level and to collaborate with their peers. During each conference the 2026-2027 officer teams were selected. Congratulations to the two Utah CTSO members who were selected as national officers and will be representing members nationwide.
High School
FCCLA selected Utah FCCLA member Kylee B. to serve on the National Executive Councilas the FCCLA National Vice President of Public Relations.
Collegiate
SkillsUSA selected Utah SkillsUSA member Brendan P. to serve on the National Officer team as the College/Postsecondary Secretary.
“One of my most valuable Work-Based Learning experiences was participating in Murray High School’s construction program, where our class built a 1,800 square foot home from the ground up. I worked on all major phases of construction, including the foundation, framing, roofing, drywall, and painting. This hands-on experience showed me the level of planning, teamwork, and precision required to complete a home successfully.
“One positive experience was framing walls and seeing the structure take shape. This taught me how critical accurate measurements are, since small mistakes can affect everything that follows. One challenge was mudding drywall, which was slow and frustrating at first. Through consistent practice I improved and learned patience precision, and attention to detail.
“This experience aligns closely with my career goal of becoming an electrician and eventually owning my own business. Working on a full home helped me understand how the trades work together and prepared me for college-level training and real-world job expectations by developing my technical skills and work ethic,” said Ashton.
Advice to Students
Utah high school seniors were asked, “What advice would you offer to future students about taking CTE courses during high school?”
Karly said, “If I were to give one piece of advice to someone taking CTE courses I would say to take as many classes in different subjects as you can. Even if that means stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something you think you might not like. This gives you a good idea of potential careers that are available.
Since I was able to experience so many different career options I was able to narrow down what interested me and I continued taking classes that aligned with my interest. Now I know what career I want to pursue. I’m so grateful for all of the knowledge I’ve acquired by broadening my horizons and taking so many different CTE classes.”
Influential Educator
Sam said, "My robotics teacher, Ms. Saffen, influenced my career choice.
I wasn’t 100% sure on which career path I wanted but she showed me the value and how rewarding robotics can be.
She also showed me how to navigate through problems and grow my critical thinking skills, which helped me understand that I can excel in this field.”
CTE and Life After High School
Miah said, “Because of the skills and experiences I gained from taking CTE classes I learned a lot of skills. I learned the values of teamwork, time management, and empathy.
Working on projects both independently and with classmates taught me how to collaborate effectively and with flexibility.
These skills will give me a strong advantage in navigating both my education and future career plans in teaching and game development.
Now, I am confident in my ability to learn and adapt accordingly.”
@UtahCTE Social Media Highlights
Deer Creek High School in Wasatch County School District (WCSD) opened in August. This is the first new high school in WCSD in 100 years. Home of the Riverhawks https://tinyurl.com/4zmb6r37.
Congratulations to Scott, @washk12 student, who won first place in the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship for his expertise in Microsoft Word. He now advances to the Certiport 2026 MOS World Championship in California later this month. We wish Scott all the best!
Jack, a student in Salt Lake City School District, signed on as the newest manufacturing apprentice with Stadler Rail. Watch the CTE Manufacturing Pathway video to learn more about this work-based learning experience https://tinyurl.com/37m9jee8.
Utah’s first teacher apprenticeship program opens in Salt Lake City School District https://tinyurl.com/y338v2ha.
Wasatch High School teacher stands out as Utah’s lone ambassador of agricultural education https://tinyurl.com/596rspe9.
Save the Date
On October 1, 2026, Evergreen Junior High is hosting its fifth annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Night. Students, families, and community members are invited to participate in this event.
At the event there will be dozens of interactive STEM exhibits, a four-legged dancing robot, and a drone light show. Attendees will learn about the amazing opportunities available in STEM.
