The Field of CTE

In Career and Technical Education (CTE), it is essential to use data from a variety of sources to develop and maintain programs of study that effectively meet the evolving needs of industry. Industry demands are constantly changing due to technological advancements, shifting market trends, and new skill requirements. By leveraging data from diverse sources—such as labor market reports, industry surveys, employer feedback, and academic performance metrics—CTE programs can stay current and aligned with the real-world demands of employers. This data-driven approach ensures that curricula are tailored to provide students with the practical, up-to-date skills they need to thrive in the workforce. Additionally, incorporating data from multiple sources helps educators identify gaps in existing programs, adjust instructional methods, and better equip students for successful careers in high-demand sectors. Ultimately, using comprehensive data allows CTE programs to be responsive, adaptive, and forward-thinking, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market and industry needs are met. There is a variety of sources we use for this endeavor on our campus.

  • The California State Plan for CTE: The California Career Technical Education Plan provides cohesion and direction to current state, regional, and local level investments through visionary and innovative approaches to social and economic mobility for the California Community Colleges 1.8 million students.
  • The CTE executive order: Executive Order N-11-23, issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to align California's education and workforce systems to better meet the needs of students, workers, and employers. The order builds on the state's history of investing in career pathways and education. Its goal is to create a more integrated system that connects individuals to well-paying careers, offers hands-on learning, and reduces barriers to education, especially for underrepresented communities. By collaborating across education, labor, and business sectors, the plan seeks to equip all Californians with skills for a changing economy.
  • The Center of Excellence: The Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research are part of the Workforce and Economic Development Division. As grant-funded technical assistance providers, the nine Centers are located strategically across the state to study California’s regional economies. Our work supports the community colleges by providing customized data on high growth, emerging, and economically-critical industries and occupations.
  • The Los Angeles Regional Consortia (LARC): LARC is a consortium of LA’s 19 community colleges working collectively to deliver on a promise that California community colleges are accessible and affordable to all who seek opportunities to realize a better future. We collaborate with K-12 partners, high-road employers, and priority industries to align impactful curriculum and workforce training programs, creating a seamless pathway for college and career readiness.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): Managed by the U.S. Department of Education, it collects and disseminates comprehensive data on U.S. higher education institutions, including colleges, universities, and technical schools. It tracks enrollment, graduation rates, financial aid, and more. All institutions receiving federal financial aid must self-report their data, which is categorized using specific codes for standardized reporting. While IPEDS provides crucial information for policy decisions and trend analysis, there is often a time lag between data collection and release, which can affect the timeliness of results, especially for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This delay can hinder real-time assessments of CTE outcomes, but IPEDS remains an essential tool for evaluating and improving higher education and workforce development.
  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and SOCs: The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), collects data on employment and wages for over 800 occupations across the U.S. It helps track trends in the workforce and inform policy decisions. The survey uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, which groups occupations based on similar job duties and skills. This classification ensures that job categories are consistent across industries and regions. While the OES provides valuable insights into labor market trends, it typically has a time lag between data collection and release, meaning that current job market conditions may not be immediately reflected. Despite this, the OES remains a key tool for understanding employment patterns and wages, especially for guiding workforce development and career planning.
  • The US Census Bureau and NAICs: The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) organizes employment and wage data by industry using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). NAICS is the standard used by federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments based on similar economic activities. This system, developed in collaboration with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ensures consistent and comparable data across North America. For Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, NAICS data is highly relevant as it identifies industry trends, employment levels, and wages, helping to pinpoint growing sectors. By aligning CTE curricula with industries that show strong demand for skilled workers, educators can better prepare students for successful careers in these key sectors, supporting both local economies and workforce needs.
  • The O*NET database: ONET (Occupational Information Network) is a comprehensive online resource that provides detailed information about a wide range of occupations in the U.S. It offers data on job duties, required skills, education levels, wages, and job outlook, helping individuals make informed career decisions. The system is organized by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, allowing for easy comparison of occupations across industries. ONET is a valuable tool for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, as it helps identify the specific skills and qualifications employers seek in various fields. By using O*NET, CTE educators can tailor their curricula to meet industry standards, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the workforce.
  • The Data Vista database: DataVista is the metrics platform for information on California Community Colleges and Adult Education student success. DataVista is designed to inspire a greater understanding of student achievement, build understanding about student outcomes and provide information to support evidence-based decision making at schools, colleges and within the state.
  • The State of CA NOVA database: NOVA is a fiscal management system used by the California Community Colleges (CCC) to manage categorical grant-funded programs and initiatives.