Career pathways are educational or training programs that prepare participants for employment and progression in high demand or high wage fields. Career pathways develop a learner's academic, technical, employability, and career management skills; offer opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials; provide career planning services; and include work-based learning such as internships, co-ops, or apprenticeships.
Career pathways also connect students to higher levels of education: offering college credits for high school courses and apprenticeship related instruction and, in many cases, transfer credits to related baccalaureate programs.
Features and benefits of a career pathway often include:
- Integrated curriculum of academic and technical subjects
- Career planning and career exploration
- Work and project based learning
- Opportunities and connections to higher education or continuing education
- Social support as relevant
- Placement in high-demand/high-wage jobs
Transitional programs and services are specially designed to help individuals successfully transition to more advanced levels of education and employment. Transitional programs and services are administered, marketed, and delivered by the college department deemed most appropriate by the college. Included in this category are programs/services such as Career Coaches, Tech Prep, Middle College, and Career Readiness Certificate.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Creamer, Director Post Secondary Perkins/Tech Prep or Gloria Westerman, Director Career Educational Transition Programs.