CTE in Michigan
Real Skills. Real Careers. Real Results.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is one of the fastest-growing pathways in Michigan education. It connects students to hands-on learning, industry credentials, and high-wage, high-demand careers before they ever leave high school.
Michigan continues to invest in expanding access to CTE, particularly in underserved communities and “CTE deserts” where programming has historically been limited. As enrollment and completion numbers continue to break records, one thing is clear: CTE is not a fallback option — it’s one of the most direct, proven paths to a high-wage, high-skill career available to Michigan students today.
The numbers tell the story:
- 114,495 Michigan students were enrolled in CTE programs in the 2024-25 school year — the fourth consecutive year of growth, and nearly back to the all-time record of 115,214 set in 2011-12.
- 55,431 students completed a CTE program in 2024-25 — a new record, and more than double the 27,014 completers just a decade earlier in 2014-15.
- 95.95% of CTE concentrators graduated high school, compared to Michigan’s overall graduation rate of 81.01% — proof that CTE keeps students engaged and on track to a diploma.
- CTE prepares students for careers spanning agriculture, health sciences, skilled trades, public safety, IT, engineering, and more — fields facing some of the strongest workforce demand in the state.
Demand keeps climbing because families and employers alike see the return: lower-cost pathways into skilled careers, less student debt, and a direct line from the classroom to the job site.
The Four Key Components of CTE in Michigan
Michigan's CTE model is built on four interconnected components. Together, they take a student from foundational knowledge to real-world, career-ready competence.
Classroom Instruction
Every CTE program starts with strong academic and technical instruction. Students build the core knowledge, terminology, and industry standards that underpin their chosen field while strengthening academic subjects like math, science, and communication skills.
Laboratory Instruction
Learning doesn't stop at the textbook. In labs and shops, students apply classroom concepts using the same equipment, technology, and processes used in the industry.
Student Leadership
CTE students in Michigan have the opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), which build leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and professionalism through competitions, conferences, and community service.
Work-Based Learning
Students move beyond the classroom and lab into real workplaces through internships, job shadowing, cooperative education, apprenticeships, and other employer partnerships. Work-based learning gives students authentic, supervised experience and helps them build professional networks before graduation.
Together, these four components form a complete pipeline — from concept, to application, to leadership, to career — ensuring Michigan CTE graduates leave prepared for both immediate employment and further education.
Guided by the Office of Career & Technical Education (OCTE)
Every CTE program is developed and delivered in alignment with guidance from the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE). OCTE sets the policy framework that keeps our programs compliant, current, and high-quality, including:
- State-approved program standards and curriculum frameworks
- Data reporting and accountability requirements
- Guidance on Early Middle College and dual enrollment opportunities tied to CTE
- Professional development and technical assistance for CTE educators and administrators
For additional resources developed my the Office of Career & Technical Education please visit their website.
Our Commitment
The commitment of the Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education (MI ACTE) is to partner with all related agencies to provide a one-stop information finding experiences for teachers, administrators, students, parents and business and industry. MI ACTE is committed to the promotion and advocacy for CTE Programs, teachers, and students throughout the State of Michigan.
