February is national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month—a time to recognize the critical role CTE plays in preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. In Maryland, CTE programs are designed in partnership with business, higher education and local school systems to ensure students gain relevant, real-world experiences that set them up for success in both college and career. With 295 programs of study across all 24 school systems—and 65% of high school students participating—CTE is shaping the future workforce today.
Through CTE, Maryland’s students engage in rigorous coursework aligned with industry standards, benefit from professional learning opportunities, and even earn industry-recognized credentials that give them a head start in college or directly into careers. Programs are continuously evolving, thanks to collaboration between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), business leaders and educators who ensure they remain relevant to workforce needs.
One of the many ways MBRT celebrates CTE Month is with student activities during Engineers Week, which runs from February 16 to February 22. This year’s theme, Design Your Future, emphasizes how engineering transforms ideas into reality, driving innovation across industries. Engineering is a cornerstone of CTE, falling under the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology career cluster, and it plays a vital role in fields like construction, information technology and transportation technologies.
As part of Engineers Week, 100 students from Wicomico High School will visit the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Engineering Department for a day of career exploration. This experience will allow students to see firsthand how engineering principles apply in the real world and inspire them to pursue further education and careers in the field. The MBRT staff member leading the visit is Tashe Williams, MBRT’s Next Generation Scholars program manager for Wicomico County.
The CTE programs don’t just prepare students for the workforce—they equip them with technical skills, problem-solving abilities and hands-on experience that open doors to competitive careers in STEM and beyond. Engineering is a career field in high demand, requiring creative thinkers and skilled professionals to tackle challenges in infrastructure, technology and sustainability.
Why It Matters
Career Technology Education Month is more than just four weeks of celebration—it’s a year-round commitment to workforce development. Business and industry leaders can support CTE by partnering with schools, offering internships, mentoring students and helping to shape curriculum to ensure graduates are career-ready. Families and students can explore CTE pathways at their local schools, attend career fairs and take advantage of dual enrollment and apprenticeship opportunities. The MBRT is proud to facilitate CTE connections and outcomes-based partnerships across the state.
