MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and the role career and technical education plays in preparing Wisconsin students for success after Governor Tony Evers proclaimed February 2026 as CTE Month in Wisconsin.
Career and technical education helps improve academic performance, increases graduation rates, and provides students with the skills and real-world experiences needed to succeed in postsecondary education and high-demand careers. Across Wisconsin, CTE programs connect classroom learning with hands-on training that supports both individual achievement and a strong statewide workforce.
“Career and technical education opens doors for students by giving them practical skills, leadership opportunities, and a clear connection between education and future careers,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “By working closely with educators, employers, and community partners, we are helping ensure Wisconsin’s workforce remains skilled, competitive, and ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”
CTE programs across the state collaborate with business and industry partners to meet evolving workforce needs, support local economic growth, and prepare students for career fields expected to grow in the coming years. Many programs also offer dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn college credit, experience postsecondary education early, and accelerate their path to degree completion or workforce entry.
Wisconsin’s leadership in career and technical education is reflected in the continued success of the Youth Apprenticeship program, which reached a record high during the 2024–25 school year with 11,344 student enrollees and 7,447 employer sponsors across more than 80 occupational pathways and 16 career clusters.
The state also supports career and technical education through initiatives such as the Wisconsin Fast Forward expanded grant program, which helps school districts offset the cost of technical education equipment used in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand training programs.
In addition, the DFI reminds Wisconsin families they can plan and save for postsecondary education and training expenses through the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program and its two college savings plans – Edvest 529 and Tomorrow’s Scholar. These flexible, tax-advantaged plans can be used for a wide range of education and training options, including technical college programs, Registered Apprenticeships, certain postsecondary credentialing programs, and more.
“Every student deserves to pursue postsecondary education that fits their goals. Wisconsin’s 529 college savings plans are designed to be flexible and allow families to use their savings not just for four-year degrees, but also for technical training programs,” said DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann. “During Career and Technical Education Month, we encourage students and families to plan for all pathways to success by starting their savings journey today.”
During Career and Technical Education Month, Wisconsin joins partners including the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Wisconsin Technical College System, and communities statewide in celebrating Wisconsin’s long-standing leadership in career and technical education and its importance to the state’s future.
For more information about career and technical education programs in Wisconsin, visit dwd.wisconsin.gov.
