Career and Technical Education

Welcome to Sumner County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) where learning meets opportunity. Our programs empower students to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and build the skills needed to thrive in college, career, and life.

CTE connects classrooms to careers through hands-on learning, innovative partnerships, and pathways that prepare every student for success in today’s rapidly changing world. Whether you’re a student planning your next step, a parent supporting your child’s future, an industry member looking to invest in local talent, or an educator seeking to make an impact, Sumner County CTE is where your journey begins.

CTE programs begin building interest and foundational skills in middle school and expand into specialized courses at the high school level, allowing students to develop technical expertise, employability skills, and leadership abilities that prepare them for life after graduation. Our goal is to help every student identify their interests, discover their strengths, and design a pathway to future career success.

Why Career and Technical Education?

Career and Technical Education is more than a set of courses, it’s a bridge between education and opportunity.

For Students:

CTE provides purpose and relevance to learning by connecting classroom content to future careers. Students graduate with technical skills, recognized industry certifications, and real-world experience that give them a competitive advantage whether they pursue college, a technical program, or immediate employment.

For Parents/Guardians:

CTE supports your child’s academic success and career readiness. Students in CTE programs are more engaged, graduate at higher rates, and often earn early college credit or industry certifications that save time and money after high school.

For Business and Industry Partners:

CTE builds a pipeline of skilled, motivated talent for the local workforce. By partnering with our programs through internships, advisory committees, guest speaking, or sponsorships, local businesses help shape curriculum to meet real industry needs while connecting directly with the next generation of professionals.

For Educators and Future Teachers:

CTE teaching offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact by combining real-world experience with education. Sumner County Schools is committed to supporting CTE educators through mentorship, professional learning, and collaboration with local industry.

TENNESSEE CTE CAREER CLUSTERS/PROGRAMS OF STUDY/PREREQUISITES

Choose your pathway to success. Tennessee's Career Clusters are organized into 16 broad categories that encompass virtually all occupations from entry through professional levels and are aligned with the U.S. Department of Education's structure of Career and Technical Education. Career Clusters identify the knowledge and skills needed to follow a pathway toward career goals and provide a context for exploring the many occupational options available. Note that each cluster is divided into different pathways or Programs of Study that are grouped by the knowledge and skills required for occupations in these career fields. Students that complete three credits in a Program of Study or Career Cluster are CTE Concentrators. Our district CTE Office is here to support students in selecting a Program of Study. - See more at: Career Clusters.

ANNUAL PUBLIC NOTICE OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Sumner County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities; and provides equal access to all programs. The Sumner County School System offers a wide range of Career and Technical Education programs under its open admissions policy. Specifically, may offer admissions based on selective criteria in programs like Health Science, Agriculture, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Marketing, Education & Training, through a separate application process that is nondiscriminatory. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: