State of Alaska > Department of Education & Early Development > Division of Teaching & Learning Support > Career & Technical Education 

Career Clusters

The U.S. Department of Education has established 16 broad Career Clusters consisting of entry-level through professional-level occupations in a broad industry area. Each cluster includes the academic and technical skills and knowledge needed for further education and careers. Clusters are a great organizational tool for educators, counselors, parents, and students in their search for career information. They show the relationship between what students learn in school with the knowledge and skills they need for success in further education/training and careers.

CTE programs have been categorized according to 16 federal career clusters. Teams of secondary teachers & post secondary faculty, administrators and business & industry representatives from around the state have identified nationally recognized standards and certifications recommended for career & technical education programs in Alaska. These standards have been crosswalked (aligned) to reading, writing, math, science, content, employability, cultural, and all aspects of industry standards.

Career Clusters with Descriptions - PDF

For more information, go to Career Clusters and how they link what students learn in school with the knowledge and skills they need for success in college and careers.

National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (States' Career Clusters)

Curriculum Development Resources