The strongest career and technical education programs begin with a curricular vision and a practical roadmap for CTE facilities optimization.
Districts often face barriers such as limited space, recruiting and retaining teachers, and the logistics of coordinating real-world learning. By focusing on facilities first, education leaders can leverage existing assets and design spaces that attract students and industry partners. This intentional approach rarely requires new construction; it often begins with a fresh look at what’s already available.
An empty room can become a multipurpose hub. When districts want to expand their CTE footprint but can’t afford new construction, I advise them to start by looking inward. Many strong CTE programs thrive in underused or unconventional spaces. What follows is a simple roadmap for creating flexible, cost-effective CTE facilities, informed by schools that have turned limitations into opportunities.
1. Reimagine underutilized spaces.
CTE leaders get incredibly creative when it comes to finding a home for their programs. Repurposed spaces I’ve seen include:
- Unused classrooms or portables: These environments can be repurposed into makerspaces, robotics labs or multi-use areas for multiple programs.
- Rooms located near kitchens: These often-underutilized spaces can serve as a great starting point for adding culinary arts or hospitality pathways.
- Closets and school stores: Smaller areas can be repurposed for marketing and business programs.
2. Prioritize flexible design.
Flexibility is a must in any CTE space, as rapid workforce advancements can cause programs to quickly become outdated. When constructing and designing learning environments, consider “a continuum of Fs — fixed, flexible and fluid” (Scott-Webber, 2018) — in order to build with both present and future programs in mind.
- Fixed: These are built-in necessities, like cabinetry, work benches or ventilation hoods.
- Flexible: Multipurpose furniture, such as lightweight tables and chairs, allows for both static and dynamic classroom layouts.
- Fluid: Easily movable furniture and technology can ensure quick room turnover to support various learning modes, from group collaboration to specialized equipment use.
3. Create authentic environments.
When designing CTE facilities, education leaders should aim for an authentic, professional feel that mirrors modern workplaces.
- Furnishings: Move beyond traditional desks with specialized equipment and a mix of seating styles. This can help give students a sense of being in a professional setting.
- Aesthetic immersion: Even low-cost changes like adding graphics and wall art that reflect the industry can make students feel excited about being in the program.
- Real-world reflection: Hazleton Area School District turned a former TV studio and a leased mall space into flexible areas for CTE and more, showing how even the unlikeliest spaces can inspire students to see themselves in future careers.
Facilities may attract students, but partnerships keep programs relevant by filling resource gaps and providing access to equipment and expertise that many schools otherwise couldn’t afford. And CTE programs become more sustainable and authentic.
4. Issue an open call to the community.
The first step is getting people to the table. Consider hosting an open career forum at the school. Use social media, make phone calls and reach out to community contacts like the local chamber of commerce. Invite everyone, including small and mid-sized businesses, “mom and pops” and major employers.
Then make it a listening session. Ask questions: “What are your needs? What shortages are you seeing?” This approach is powerful because it gives a voice to smaller businesses that are often overlooked and fosters unexpected collaboration among industry leaders.
5. Keep industry partners involved.
Value partner feedback through the entire process, especially when planning renovations or purchasing equipment for CTE facilities. Industry professionals are the experts on top tools, how they work and how they should be maintained. Partners should be consulted on everything from high-tech tools to specialized storage needs. For example: In a CTE setting, storage must be specialized (e.g., strong enough for heavy tools, sized for specific kits), accessible, and lockable for safety and security.
When districts invest in flexible learning spaces and strong industry partnerships, they expand real opportunities for students. Effective CTE programs engage learners and build career-ready skills and connect classroom instruction to real-world experience. With thoughtful planning and authentic collaboration, schools can turn challenges into possibilities and help students step confidently into the future.
Sue Ann Highland, Ph.D., is the lead national education strategist at School Specialty and the author of “Reimagining Learning Spaces: Designing Educational Environments for a New Generation.” With over 30 years of experience in schools and districts across the country, she has served as a teacher, consultant, director of curriculum and instruction, principal, federal programs director, and CTE director. A specialist in school improvement and turnaround efforts, she is also an industrial/organizational psychologist, passionate about aligning people, processes and learning environments for student success.
