Career and Technical Education seeks expanded work‑based learning, capital grants and TrainND expansion in Senate hearing

The Department of Career and Technical Education presented its budget request and legislative priorities to the Senate Appropriations — Education & Environment Division under Senate Bill 2019, emphasizing student outcomes, workforce connections and a continuation of capital grants for area CTE centers.

Wade Sick, state director of North Dakota Career and Technical Education (NDCTE), opened by citing statutory authority and the department’s mission. "The mission of North Dakota Career Technical Education is to work with others to provide all of North Dakota citizens with the technical skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to successfully perform, in a globally competitive market," Sick said. He referenced North Dakota Century Code sections that define the department’s responsibilities and the governance of area CTE centers.

Enrollment and outcomes

NDCTE reported about 26,000 unduplicated secondary students enrolled in at least one CTE course in 2023‑24 (about 74% of high school students). About 9,700 students met the department’s definition of a CTE concentrator (two full credits in a pathway). The agency said the on‑time graduation rate for CTE concentrators is about 98%, compared with roughly 82% statewide for all students. Post‑program placement (work, postsecondary enrollment or…