Henrico CTE classes are built around what are called Career Clusters. Each of our over 150 middle school, high school and Advanced Career Education classes all fit under 17 Career Clusters laid out by the Virginia Department of Education. These clusters are a national guide that is meant to help parents and students find the right classes that will get their student ready to “investigate careers and design their courses of study to advance their career goals.”  Henrico CTE defines our goals in much the same way by, preparing our students to Enrol In College, Enlisted In The Military, or Employed In The Career Of Their Choice.

The Virginia Department of Education defines Career Clusters as;  a grouping of occupations or careers in different industries that may have similar career paths. Within each career cluster, multiple career pathways represent a common set of skills and knowledge, both academic and technical, necessary to pursue a full range of career opportunities within that pathway. Based on the skill sets taught, all Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses are aligned with one or more career clusters and career pathways. There are 16 Career Clusters in the U.S. Department of Education model. Virginia has adopted the nationally accepted structure of career clusters, career pathways, and sample career specialties or occupations. (from vaenergy17thcluster.org) Virginia has added a 17th Career Cluster for Energy this year.

• A Career Cluster is a sequence of courses within your area of interest and was created by the U.S. Department of Education.
• A Career Cluster will connect you with 79 Career Pathways from high school to college and/or career.
• A Career Cluster is your educational road map guiding you to the high school courses and post-secondary options most relevant to your chosen career destination.
• A Career Cluster will help you acquire the depth of knowledge and skill linked with specific post-secondary programs that will lead to a certificate or degree and/or career.
• You decide which Career Cluster is right for you.
• Visit the Advance CTE website or visit the Virginia Department of Education for more information.