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CTAE Spotlight

During CTE Month, Florida Celebrates Its Ranking as #1 in Workforce Education

CTE Month is a time to celebrate the impact of Career and Technical Education and the students, educators and partners who make Florida’s workforce one of the strongest in the nation. This year, Florida celebrates a major milestone: achieving #1 in Workforce Education—five years ahead of schedule. This success reflects years of investment, innovation and collaboration across Florida’s technical colleges, school districts and Florida College System institutions. Across the state, learners of all ages are gaining real-world experience, industry certifications and hands-on training that lead directly to high-demand careers. These programs not only strengthen local economies but also ensure that employers have access to a skilled, prepared workforce. This toolkit provides ready-to-use messages and resources to help you highlight your institution’s contributions to this achievement—and to showcase how CTE continues to drive opportunity for Floridians.

RECORD-BREAKING IMPACT OF CTE IN FLORIDA TODAY

  • 818,000+ K–12 students enrolled in CTE programs.
  • 512,000+ postsecondary CTE students.
  • 25,000+ apprentices and pre-apprentices.
  • Programs aligned with high-skill, high-wage, high-demand careers.
  • Strong partnerships with local employers, industry leaders and local workforce development boards

Florida Reaches #1 in Workforce Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla—Today, in recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s achievement as the number one state in the nation for workforce education fulfilling Executive Order 19-31 five years ahead of the 2030 goal. This milestone reflects Governor DeSantis’ more than $12 billion commitment to workforce education and builds on Florida’s broader record of excellence, including top rankings in higher education, talent attraction, and education freedom. These accomplishments position Florida as the national leader in preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce through historic investments and industry-driven programs.....READ THE FULL CTE MONTH PROCLAMATION HERE

The image displays the logo of Florida's #1 workforce education program, which is set against a dark background. The text below the logo announces %22Record-Breaking Workforce Education Results%22.
Record-breaking CTE enrollment. 818,000+ K-12 students and 512,000 postsecondary students, with a 30% postsecondary enrollment growth.

Career, Technical, and Adult Education

GED - Understand the Change

diplomas
Pinellas County Schools Adult Centers offer a variety of classes from GED© preparation to computer literacy.  Day and evening classes are held at locations around the county, including worksites, community agencies, and recreation centers. There are Adult Centers strategically located in Pinellas County where classes are offered. find an education center near you.

General Education Development (GED)

A GED© readiness assessment and advisement will be provided at the registration center of your choice.  Results will identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Review classes are available in the subjects in which additional study is needed before taking the official Tests of GED©.  Get more information about Obtaining a GED©.

High School Credit Recovery
The adult education centers and community schools offer self-paced evening courses for students (16 years and older) who attend high school but need to make up credits in order to graduate.  Students may enter at any time.  High school students must get a referral from their guidance counselor. High school Credit recovery information . 

Adult High School Diploma
Besides the GED© Program, Adult Education offers the High School Credit Program for individuals who need only a few credits, a higher GPA, or passing FCAT scores to receive their diploma.  Successful students will receive a standard, local high school diploma from an accredited adult high school. Adult High School Diploma information.

Adult Basic Education
This program is designed to provide instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics and workplace readiness. Classes are open to adults (ages 16 and older) who left school before mastering the basics. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages - ESOL
A program to help adults speak, write and read English. This program aids in meeting the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. ESOL classes focus on English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Our program embeds citizenship lessons to help prepare eligible permanent residents to successfully complete the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. For more information please visit pcsb.org/Page/2591.
 

Countywide Graduation

A countywide graduation ceremony held each year honors GED© and adult high school graduates as well as high school seniors who complete their credits in summer school and/or night school. To receive information, please call (727) 588-6321.