Ohio’s career technical education system is based on 16 career fields that balance career technical education and specialized training necessary for employment success, further study and adaptation to a changing economy. Broad and specialized technical content standards frame curriculum, instruction, assessment and program design.

A Career Pathway is a collective look at education and training, wage and outlook information for related occupations. These pathways offer an overview of the various career options along with education and training that can begin as early as grade 7. Whether a student is interested in going to college, getting a certificate or working right after high school, career pathways can be customized for any ambition or plan. For additional career planning resources, visit OhioMeansJobs.com.

ACADEMIC AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ALIGNED TO JOB DEMAND

A career pathway is a series of academic and technical career-focused coursework and other educational learning experiences leading to a career specialty and employment. Pathways facilitate a seamless transition from high school to postsecondary education—including apprenticeships, adult education, two and four-year colleges and graduate school. A pathway also leads from postsecondary education to the workplace.

To effectively facilitate the transition from secondary to postsecondary education and a career, high school career pathways should encompass:

  • Challenging technical coursework in a chosen career field based on career field technical content standards
  • Rigorous academics that meet Ohio academic content standards and grade-level expectations
  • Electives that relate to career objectives
  • Instructional enhancements such as experiential and authentic learning opportunities such as work-based learning, mentorships, internships and career technical student organization participation
  • Opportunities for program and student certification and licensure
  • Preparation for transition to further study that includes college readiness and opportunity to earn college credit while in high school
  • Preparation for transition to employment with advancement opportunities
  • Performance targets that include high school academic and technical testing/exit and postsecondary entry/placement requirements