Back to Career Clusters Resources
The modernized National Career Clusters® Framework acts as a tool through which states and local institutions can implement flexible programs of study that align with industry needs. It can also create personalized career pathways that help learners understand their potential impact within career fields. By emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and contextualized skill development, the Framework reflects the evolving world of work, in which industries increasingly demand adaptable, cross-sector competencies.
This brief articulates the possibilities and innovations of using the modernized Framework to increase flexibility in CTE program and career pathway design that encourages customization with the primary driver of industry demand. When implemented, learners should be able to tailor their career pathways to align with their unique interests and labor market demands.
The resource shares:
- a new spectrum of approach to flexible programs of study
- optimal state for this policy area
- promising state practices
- key questions for consideration; and
- recommendations
This resource is part of a collection of briefs that provide recommendations, models, and promising practices to maximize the implementation of the Framework.
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This resource, developed by Advance CTE, supports the adoption and implementation of the National Career Clusters® Framework. The Framework serves as the central building block to achieve consistently designed and high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. First introduced in 2002, a version of the Framework is used by the majority of states with Advance CTE as its steward. A modernized Framework was unveiled in October 2024 after a 2-year development and validation process.
Visit the Career Clusters section of the Advance CTE website for additional information about the full Framework and all associated tools and resources.
