View as Webpage

Summer Quarterly News Update

Howdy Trade and Industrial members of ACTE!

As the summer sun sets and the new school year approaches, it's time to rev up our engines and prepare for an exciting journey in career and technical education (CTE). But this isn’t just another back-to-school message—this year, we’re shifting gears to explore new horizons, ignite passion, and push the boundaries of what CTE can achieve.

This year, let’s think outside the box and view our classrooms not just as spaces for instruction, but as dynamic environments where innovation takes flight. The world of work is evolving rapidly, and our students need more than technical skills—they need creativity, adaptability, and the confidence to forge their own paths. By integrating real-world projects and emerging technologies into our curricula, we can empower our students to become the trailblazers of tomorrow, ready to tackle challenges that haven’t even been imagined yet.



Our journey this year is fueled by the unwavering support of our incredible business and industry partners. They are here to stand beside us, providing the resources, expertise, and real-world connections that bring our programs to life. Whether it's through donations of cutting-edge equipment, offering internships, or collaborating on curriculum development, these partnerships are vital. They help bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring that our students are not only learning but are truly prepared to excel in their chosen fields. (Look for some of our Industry and business partner opportunities below)

As we gear up for this exciting year, I encourage each of you to get involved and share your stories of success. Whether you’ve had a breakthrough in your classroom, formed a new partnership that’s making a difference, or have a student who’s achieved something extraordinary, we want to hear about it. Your experiences are the fuel that keeps our community strong and vibrant, and sharing them helps inspire others across the country. If you are interested in sharing your talents or your stories, please email me directly at btaylor@tamu.edu.

Thank you for your dedication to CTE, your commitment to our students, and your passion for making a difference. Together, with the support of our industry partners, let’s make 2024 a year of bold moves and big successes. Buckle up—this journey is just beginning, and it’s going to be an incredible ride.

See you on the road ahead!

Kindest regards,

Bart Taylor

VP, ACTE Trade and Industrial Education Division

Trade and Industrial Division News

Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum



The AWS Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum is an entire turn-key welding curriculum containing print and digital educational resources and learning tools designed for welding instructors and students at the high-school and technical college level. While a separate program from SENSE the individual components of the curriculum package align with the governing standards of the above referenced SENSE program and were created and reviewed in tandem with SMEs and welding education professionals. Watch our video highlighting some of curriculum’s core components.

Join the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) this fall for Trades Day at one of our many locations in Texas, Indiana, Oregon, New Mexico, and California. Trades Day is a one-day career exploration event for high school students to interact with industry leaders within the built environment through hands on demonstrations. Students will learn skills such as hammering, cement mixing, roofing, welding, masonry, and more! Also, it is a great opportunity for instructors to build relationships with local industry leaders for future interactions with the industry. Visit the website to find out more information about Trades Day and register for the event near you!

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program. This three-year program will help individuals ages 18, 19, and 20 explore interstate trucking careers and help trucking companies hire and train new drivers through an apprenticeship pilot program. Click the link below for more information.

TECS is a Technician Education College Support program offered by Toyota & Lexus. TECS is a voluntary program available at participating high schools, vocational schools, technical colleges, or a private technical training facility. Click the link below for more information.

Explore NCCER Resources for Educators! The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers expert support and a wealth of resources to ensure the success of your program. From CareerStarter and HammerMath to turnkey solutions, course planning tools, lesson plans, a project library, and more — our comprehensive training covers the NCCER curriculum, best practices, and teaching techniques, all designed to help you excel. Plus, you can participate in

monthly webinars for professional development, networking, and collaboration with industry partners and fellow instructors. Check out our resources for NCCER Instructor Toolbox below.

From ACTE

Don’t Miss the CTE Event of the Year!

Happening this Dec. 4–7 in San Antonio, Texas, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION is the must-attend event for CTE professionals!

• Gather with your peers and grow professionally.
• Learn via hundreds of concurrent high-quality CTE sessions that address the full range of issues facing CTE.
• Ignite your inspiration while you learn from innovative keynote speakers and leaders on our main stage.
• Explore the CareerTech Expo, which features hundreds of exhibits, workshops and demonstrations.
• Kick-start your event experience with pre-conference workshops and tours on focused CTE topics.
• Celebrate the extraordinary contributions of CTE professionals, programs and organizations at the ACTE Awards Gala.

Register by Oct. 13 to take advantage of discounted rates!

Extend Your VISION Experience with Catapult Masterclasses

Join us for a CareerTech VISION special offer! Gain transformative insights and increased support for your programs through Catapult’s masterclasses. Equipping you with the tools to advance career-connected learning and CTE, Catapult makes education relevant for your students. Choose from the following on-demand masterclasses and receive content access for five months. ACTE members who attend VISION will receive a 10% discount on each masterclass!

• Career Readiness
• Employer Partnerships
• Instructional Excellence
• Student Recruitment and Marketing
• Work-based learning

Click the button to learn more and sign up via CareerTech VISION registration.

Calling All Postsecondary CTE Professionals

Join us at ACTE’s Postsecondary CTE Summit, happening Sept. 18–20 in Chicago, Illinois, to address: promising practices and emerging technologies; building community partnerships; the future of teaching and learning in postsecondary CTE; data interpretation, and more! Don’t miss this must-attend event for postsecondary CTE professionals to ensure your students are successful in their educational journeys and beyond!

Boutique Event for CTE Administrators

Join us this Oct. 9–11 in Portland, Oregon, for the Best Practices and Innovations in CTE Conference, from ACTE and the National Council of Local Administrators. This event offers focused content on strengthening the field for CTE administrators of both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions. Check out the program lineup, including keynote speakers, pre-conference workshops and tours!

Deadline to Submit Applications for ACTE’s Leadership Programs

Apply by Sept. 30

ACTE’s premier leadership programs provide CTE professionals opportunities to enhance their leadership potential through the following three yearlong programs.

• ACTE National Leadership Fellowship: Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend and complimentary registration to ACTE’s CareerTech VISION and National Policy Seminar.

• NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship: This nationally recognized program is now a registration-based initiative. Registration fees for accepted applicants will be $3,000 (not including lodging or travel for in-person events).

• IAED Mentorship Program, sponsored by IMAGO: Participants will receive complimentary registration to ACTE’s CareerTech VISION and free access to IMAGO’s intelligence learning platform content.

The deadline to apply for these leadership programs is Sept. 30.

Affinity Groups to Support You!

This fall, ACTE is launching a series of all-new affinity groups designed to support CTE professionals with common identities, interests or experiences in building community. It is our goal that these groups will serve as platforms on which members engage in mentoring relationships and have discussions aimed at personal and professional growth.

• Asian CTE Professionals
• Black CTE Professionals
• CTE Professionals w/Disabilities
• Hispanic CTE Professionals
• LGBTQ+ CTE Professionals
• Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) CTE Professionals
• Women in CTE Leadership
• Young CTE Professionals (Under 40)

To learn more, contact Candice Mott.