Community colleges and CTE programs are agile by their very nature. They have to adjust quickly to meet changing learning needs. And their interiors need to keep up. With programs geared to high-demand jobs, current technology in the learning environment is key. The space itself also needs to accommodate new learning pathways. Today, the pressure to adapt is greater than ever.
The state of California is often a microcosm within the US, where changes can ripple across the country. As soon as 2025, the state is facing a worker shortage – and a big one at that. Based on information from the California Department of Finance, the state is facing a shortage of 1.5 million workers with “some college education”. Meaning more than high school, but not necessarily a four-year degree. Extrapolate that across the country, and there is a massive need at hand.
To close the gap, education institutions are adapting their programs. There’s a shift towards building skills that support meaningful careers after college. To meet existing demands in the marketplace. And these programs are different than you might think. Community colleges, along with career and technical education programs (CTEs), are often associated with the “dirt-beneath-your-fingernails” kind of jobs. That’s not necessarily the case anymore. While some students still want to get their hands dirty, CTEs could lead to a variety of roles. A position at a clothing design studio, a pastry kitchen, global trade and logistics, advanced manufacturing, even water and environmental science. Roles that support the industries of today and the demands of an evolving work world. These programs lead to well-paying jobs and improve social mobility in the community.