Kishwaukee College is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month throughout February. Educational institutions and communities across the nation observe CTE Month to raise awareness of the role that CTE plays in preparing students for college and career success.
“CTE programs provide students with the skills and training necessary to fill in-demand roles in the local workforce. Students can gain real-world skills, explore careers to find their passion, and set up options for further college and career advancement,” said Chase Budziak, Dean of Instruction.
Kish adapts its CTE programs to meet local workforce demands, providing students with opportunities to pursue high-wage, high-skill and in-demand careers. Most programs can be completed in two years or less, providing a shorter, more cost-effective path to employment. Kish’s CTE career pathways include Agribusiness, Automotive Technology, Basic Nurse Assisting, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Diesel Power Technology, Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Services, Esthetics, Health Information Technology, Horticulture, Marketing & Management, Medical Assistant, Office Systems, Radiologic Technology, Registered Nursing, Technology & Manufacturing, Therapeutic Massage and Welding Technology.
The College works closely with local and regional employers who share industry insights and provide Kish students with internships and other job opportunities. In 2024, about 65% of Kish CTE graduates were employed in a related field, and 98.5% of graduates were employed in Illinois, according to technical graduate surveys. Statewide, approximately 396,000 students participate in CTE, and roughly 41,000 students graduate each year from CTE programs, according to Illinois Community College Board data.
Kish’s CTE programs offer flexible scheduling, work-based learning and stackable credentials that provide a pathway from education to employment. Learn more at kish.edu/cte.