Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, in November, the department will also observe Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSO) Week from November 11-15 and National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from November 18-22. Schools, educators, and districts are encouraged to join the celebration by sharing their efforts on social media using the hashtags #EPSOWEEK2024, #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2024, and #NAW2024.
In recognition of Career Development Month, Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation highlighting opportunities for students to explore careers and develop the skills needed for college, the military, and the workforce. Tennesseans are invited to engage with the statewide initiative on social media using #CareerDevelopmentMonth, #InnovativeSchoolModelsTN, and #AcceleratingTN to learn more about available career pathways.
With a historic $500 million investment from Governor Lee and the General Assembly, ISMs play a key role in enhancing classroom experiences for middle and high school students across Tennessee. CTE programs are making significant strides, with student participation and credentialing on the rise. Key achievements include:
– Middle school CTE participation nearly doubled in three years, from 58,377 to 115,936 students.
– Industry credential earnings increased by 27.9% from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 school years.
– ISMs have fostered 160 partnerships statewide, expanding career exposure in fields like advanced manufacturing, health sciences, engineering, agriculture, and construction.
– A 2024 Tennessee Educator Survey found that 93% of CTE teachers report career exploration opportunities, and 87% provide students with leadership or competitive event experiences. Additionally, 30% of early-career teachers in CTE entered from other careers, a 27% increase from 2023.
EPSOs are enabling students to earn an average of 23 college credits by high school graduation. In July 2024, the department recognized 49 work-based learning employers as Tennessee Flagship Industry Partners for their support of local school districts. Additionally, 64 active pre-apprenticeship programs and nine registered apprenticeship programs now offer high school students a blend of coursework and on-the-job training with Tennessee employers, preparing them for successful futures in various industries.