Participating in Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Illinois prepares students not only for employment, but also for life-long learning. CTE programs offered by the colleges provide students with opportunities in over 100 career & technical fields. These programs include integrated academic and technical instruction, work-based learning, dual credit opportunities and potential for continuing education at the baccalaureate level. ICCB CTE Staff provide guidance and support to the colleges on all issues related to new and existing CTE instructional programs, federal/state funding related to CTE programming, and CTE programs and services at the colleges. CTE staff are responsible for coordinating the review and approval of CTE programs, such as AAS degrees and career Certificates; distributing and monitoring federal/state grant funding, such as Post-secondary Perkins Title I and II grants; professional development to the field, such as through relevant statewide workshops and conferences; monitoring college’s compliance to ICCB Administrative Rules, such as through the Recognition process; and providing technical assistance to the colleges on state-level issues and development of local programs and services.

ICCB CTE Staff provide leadership to the field through participation in a variety of state-level projects and initiatives including the development of statewide model curricula, development of programs of study, Partnerships for College & Career Success, dual credit, the P-16 initiative, the New Look Project, the STEM Equity Pipeline Project, and the College & Career Readiness Project.

ICCB CTE Staff also host the annual Forum for Excellence Conference, which provides CTE administrators, faculty and counselors with the opportunity to learn what’s new and emerging in the field of career and technical education, legislation, and practical application of programs and services at the local level. CTE Staff communicate regularly with the field through iForum, an electronic newsletter providing highlights to the field on current events in career and tech ed around the state. CTE Staff work closely with a wide-range of other agencies and audiences promoting a consistent vision to the field regarding the value of career and technical education in Illinois, several partners include the Office of Community College Research & Leadership, the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support, and the Illinois Career Resource Network. CTE Staff are available as needed to present or discuss state-level issues and processes relevant to the local needs of community colleges and their partners as related to career and technical education.

Postsecondary Perkins