Elements of a Tech Prep Program
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 defines Tech Prep programs as Career and Technical Education programs that have the following elements:
- an articulation agreement between secondary and postsecondary consortium participants;
- career and technical programs of study that:
- consist of a 2+2, 3+2 or 4+2 sequence of courses (where the two years following high school may be either college or pre-apprenticeship program) designed with a common core of proficiency in math, science, reading, writing, communication, and technology;
- include work-based and worksite learning experiences integrating academic and career and technical education;
- provide technical preparation in a high skill, high wage or high demand occupation;
- lead to an industry-recognized credential or degree and employment;
- offer opportunities for dual/concurrent enrollment;
- use distance learning technology where appropriate;
- joint in-service training of secondary and postsecondary faculty to implement the curriculum effectively; this may include training on contextual teaching, technology applications and data acquisition and use;
- counselor professional development on recruiting and advising students; ensuring program completion and appropriate employment; and staying current on the expectations of program-related business and industry;
- equal access of special populations to the full range of Tech Prep programs; and
- joint in-service training of secondary and postsecondary teachers to implement the Tech Prep curriculum effectively; and
- student services such as job fairs and recruitment opportunities, career and personal counseling, and occupational assessment.
State Issues
States are required to give special consideration to Tech Prep programs that:
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provide for effective employment placement or the transfer of students to baccalaureate degree programs;
- are developed in consultation with business, industry, 4-year universities, and labor organizations;
- effectively address school dropout prevention and reentry and the needs of special populations;
- provide education and training in skills for which there are significant workforce shortages; and
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demonstrate how tech prep programs will help students meet high academic and employment standards.
Outcomes for Students
The student benefits for completing a College Tech Program include:
- an associate degree or a 2-year certificate;
- technical preparation in one of ten career pathways:
- Agriculture and Natural Resources Technologies
- Biological and Chemical Technologies
- Business Technologies
- Commercial and Artistic Production Technologies
- Construction Technologies
- Engineering Technologies
- Health Sciences
- Industrial Technologies
- Public Service Technologies
- Transport Systems Technologies
- competence in math, science, reading, writing, and communication; and
- employment in a high skill, high wage or high demand occupation.
Helpful NCCCS Tech Prep Resources
North Carolina Definitions of Tech Prep
College Tech Prep in North Carolina
