How Student Perceptions of CTE Are Changing

A recent study in the Journal of Career and Technical Education by Altermatt et al., (2025) shows that students increasingly see CTE as both valuable and aligned with their future goals. Their appreciation grows as they move into higher grade levels, and the increase is especially strong among students who plan to attend college.

This finding challenges the old idea that CTE is a non‑college track. Students are viewing it as a complementary pathway that builds skills, confidence, and readiness for whatever comes next.

Clear communication about the relevance of CTE matters. When students understand how these courses connect to real opportunities, their interest grows and their choices follow.

See the full research article at Understanding Interest in Career and Technical Education Course-Taking: Exploring the Impact of Students’ Perceptions of Intrinsic and Utility Value | Journal of Career and Technical Education

Follow Profectus Pathways for insights on hiring trends, leadership, and workforce development.