Career Pathways
What is a Career Path?
The National Tech Prep Network (NTPN) defines a career pathway as “a
coherent, articulated sequence of rigorous academic and career/technical
courses, commencing in the ninth grade and leading to an associate
degree, baccalaureate degree and beyond, an industry recognized
certificate, and/or licensure.” NTPN goes on to state that a career
pathway is “developed, implemented, and maintained in partnership among
secondary and postsecondary education, business, and employers. Career
Pathways are available to all learners, including adult learners, and
lead to rewarding careers.” The above definition is critical for
understanding the mission of Tech Prep in Virginia for that mission is
to develop, improve, and promote just such career pathways.
On a national level, career pathway models are being applied to basic
skills training for adults, to secondary to postsecondary transition
programs, and to a wide variety of other workforce development
initiatives. Building a Career Pathways System: Promising Practices in
Community College-Centered Workforce Development states that “To
successfully advance individuals, a pathway should include:
- An introduction to career opportunities in a region’s high wage, high demand employment sector;
- The basic skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education and training;
- A transition to entry level skills training;
- Internships and employment;
- Continuing upgrade training; and
- Social supports as necessary.
Within the VCCS, one finds the career pathway model at work in Middle
Colleges, Paths to Industry Certification, Apprenticeships, and the
Bridge Partnership program. Tech Prep is a major driver in the creation
of career pathways not only at the local and regional level but also at
state and national levels.
Students in the Region 2000 area can now enroll in the following Career Pathways
in pursuit of certification or a degree. Please visit
www.cvcc.vccs.edu/Academics/Programs/default.asp
for more information about some of these specialties.
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Distance Education
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