Milwaukee: Career & Technical Education Outlook

Below, is an overview of the city of Milwaukee’s Career and Technical Education program and more on what the city of Milwaukee is planning to emphasize in the future.

Milwaukee: Career and Technical Education: Overview

Milwaukee’s CTE (Career and Technical Education) center helps students connect with upcoming career educational paths and has a proven track record of success. Students enrolled in their programs have demonstrated strong academic scores during all levels of schooling, and their success rates in the job market are proven. Here are some of the statistics Milwaukee’s CTE report:

(Note: A “concentrator” is a student taking at least 1.5 credits at CTE.)

  • 15,158 CTE participants
  • 88.7% graduate
  • 63% of 2009 concentrators went on to post-secondary schooling
  • 263 industry-recognized certificates have been awarded
  • 20% are now employed or in the military
  • There’s been an institution of CTE in 20 schools in middle grades
  • 73% of students taking at least three PLTW(Project Lead the Way) courses entered post-secondary technical or engineering programs. Of these, 98% continued into a second year. This “persistence” rate is well above the national average of 50%.
  • Students in PLTW programs score higher than peers in reading, science and mathematics exams

Basic statistics for the Milwaukee CTE and PLTW students are as follows:

  • 28 schools
  • 5500 students in 2011-2012 in grades 6 – 12
  • 45% females (exceeding national average by 30%)
  • 85% children of color
  • Higher than average attendance rates
  • Take the ACT at a higher rate than non-PLTW peers
  • Are more likely to score proficient in 10th grade WKCE testing
  • Over three years, reduces/eliminates gaps in educational attendance and achievement by the time they enter middle school

Milwaukee: Career and Technical Education Options

MMAC (Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce) www.mmac.org says that the city of Milwaukee’s economy is now geared toward the service industry, growing about 20% since 1990. Industries such as health, law, advertising, air travel, insurance, banking, mutual funds, securities and data-processing are all on the rise. Although Milwaukee has also been a leader in manufacturing jobs as well, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development predicts that the manufacturing sector will decrease greatly by 2014.  The sectors and industries that are taking their place are IT (Information Technology), health care, and specialized education.

Careers in Information Technology (IT)

DWD found IT jobs to be the fastest-growing in these areas. Jobs in computer software, computer engineering, designing applications, system software engineer, computer systems analyst, database administrator, network and computer systems administrator, and data communications analyst are all on the rise.

Careers in Health care

Health care is expected to see good job growth in Milwaukee in the coming years. Top careers will be: registered nurse, occupational therapist, social and human service assistant, pediatrician, psychiatrist, physical therapist, chiropractor, physician’s assistant, dental hygienist, veterinary technologist, vet technician, medical records specialist, health information technician and medical appliance technician.

Other Opportunities

Beyond computers and health care, other opportunities are available in the Milwaukee area in education. Post secondary teachers for various disciplines will continue to be in-demand. Special education teachers for all levels, as well as self-enrichment teachers and preschool teachers will also be needed. Other miscellaneous jobs include tile or marble setters, heating, air conditioning or refrigeration mechanics and installers, plant and systems operators, riggers, bus drivers, actuaries and personal finance advisors.

Milwaukee: Outlook for Career and Technical Education

Johnson Controls, Inc., a Milwaukee company, is the world’s leading automotive battery supplier. They recently announced that they are donating a plug-in electric and as well as an all-electric vehicle to the automotive program at Milwaukee’s Pulaski High School. This is the start of what is believed to be the first program in the country to allow students dedicated access to the most advanced vehicle technologies available. The hope is that it will inspire students to think not only about how to repair and maintain these vehicles, but also inspire them in pursuing careers in technology, science, engineering and mathematics.

Clearly, Milwaukee’s Career and Technical Education center is dedicated to connecting with community partners and providing the best possible resources for students to excel not just in their education, but in the changing economy going forward.