A new report from Arnold Ventures analyzes the research on CTE and workforce training programs. Overall, the researchers found that CTE produces generally positive outcomes, though the strength of evidence varies by program type and setting. The most effective programs tend to be occupationally specific, have strong employer connections, offer clear pathways to further education and training, and provide sufficient support to help students complete their program. 

The researchers draw several key conclusions from the literature: 

• Structured secondary CTE improves student and workforce outcomes, including academic performance, high school completion and earnings. These benefits are particularly strong for career academies and CTE-focused high schools, where much of the research examining the effects of CTE has been concentrated. 

• • Research also suggests that CTE programs should not be treated uniformly. Some prepare students to enter the workforce directly while others lead to further training or postsecondary education. 

• The evidence base for postsecondary CTE is growing but remains less definitive than for secondary programs. Causal research on student and workforce outcomes is limited, but descriptive evidence shows that postsecondary CTE programs can yield strong economic benefits. 

• • Researchers note challenges in isolating the effects of CTE from other postsecondary program offerings, and nondegree and noncredit students are often excluded from research datasets. 

• Specific student populations benefit significantly from CTE, including boys, students with disabilities and students from low-income families. 

• Sectoral training programs that offer short-term workforce training lead to strong wage gains and career advancement. This is especially true for programs that incorporate employer partnerships, occupational skills training and student support services, such as Year Up. 

• Descriptive research ties Registered Apprenticeship to higher wages, though the causal evidence is limited. Research on youth apprenticeships has primarily focused on differences in implementation across states. 

The report also identifies priorities for future CTE research, including tracking the long-term outcomes of secondary CTE programs, strengthening causal evidence on postsecondary CTE and apprenticeships, and assessing CTE program costs and returns on investment. 

The findings from this report align with previous research on the CTE evidence base, including a meta-analysis from the CTE Research Network 2.0 and a literature review from MDRC. Readers with questions on CTE research may reach out to ACTE’s Research and Policy Coordinator Jesus Galvan (jgalvan@acteonline.org).