Welcome to the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE), a vital component of Kentucky's educational and accountability system. At the heart of our mission are four-course career and technical education (CTE) pathways, guiding students through educational journeys with on and off ramps tailored to their needs. CTE pathways pave the way for early post-secondary opportunities in the form of recognized industry certifications and credentials, CTE end-of-program certificates for articulated postsecondary credit and CTE dual credit, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce or postsecondary programs for our graduates.
With over 135 State-approved career pathways in 13 CTE program areas, we also collaborate with local districts to develop region-specific, locally approved pathways. CTE's commitment extends beyond the classroom, fostering essential skills through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) that provide leadership opportunities. Together, we are shaping the future by preparing Kentucky's students for the careers of tomorrow, collaborating closely with business and industry partners to do so. Explore the endless possibilities within our dynamic CTE community!
CTE contributes in many ways to help students become postsecondary ready. A brief list follows:
Graduation Requirements
Postsecondary Readiness
CTE Early Postsecondary Opportunities