February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month – an annual celebration of the accomplishments of CTE programs and students across the country.
Students enrolled in CTE gain academic, technical, and workplace skills while exploring different career opportunities. The School District of Philadelphia offers 43 CTE programs across 30 high schools, including in the construction and manufacturing industry. Students can gain industry-recognized credentials and hands-on training while earning their high school diploma.
In Philadelphia, there are growing career opportunities in infrastructure and construction industries. However, many students and job seekers may not be familiar with how they can connect to skilled trades pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs.
To raise awareness during CTE Month, the City of Philadelphia’s Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST) is releasing the Construction Career Map. This graphic is a visual roadmap for users to learn more about entry points and career progression in construction.
To learn more about Pre-apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs in Philadelphia, read the 2024 Apprenticeship Guidebook from Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. Be on the look out for the 2025 Guidebook coming Spring 2025, which will include the Construction Career Map!
As of 2025, Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month in Philadelphia, highlighting the value of career exploration and post-secondary education.