Pathways for Postsecondary and Employment Readiness

Many jobs require more than a high school diploma but less than a college degree. By 2020, nearly two-thirds of jobs will require postsecondary education or training and nearly 60% of employers reported that high school is not preparing students for college or careers. The right Career and Technical Education program can prepare a student for a career. Research demonstrates that career academies can increase wages and that pathways of connected courses leading to an industry credential are the most valuable: Taking one or two courses isn’t as effective. The best Career and Technical Education programs have student cohorts in career-themed course sequences; include rigorous, college-preparatory academics; include opportunities to earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials; and include meaningful work-based learning that leads to jobs or industry credentials. In 2007, the Florida Legislature passed the Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act as an avenue to improve middle and high school student career readiness, to expose students to varied career-themed coursework, and to reinforce business, economic and education partnerships. This legislation created a focus on CAPE academies in local districts.

This report provides information on Pinellas County’s CAPE academies, industry certifications earned in high school (which may be earned in any type of academy), and opportunities for career and technical education after high school.

Click here to access the full report.