All learners deserve opportunities to explore and prepare for the full world of work, and discover where they fit in.
Created in 2002 and modernized in 2024, the National Career Clusters Framework has provided a shared structure and language for CTE program design across the United States. Advance CTE serves as the steward of the Framework.
The Framework has the power to transform systems, career pathways and programs, and the lives of learners and communities. Whether you are an administrator, CTE or core academic educator, career advising professional, or an employer, you can use the Framework to help every learner chart their path to career success!
In 2024, following 2 years of input and validation, Advance CTE released a modernized Framework designed to serve as a bridge between education and work and a central building block for consistently designed and high-quality CTE programs.
Education
Early Childhood Education
Teaching and Training
Healthcare & Human Services
Biomedical
Community Health Science
Cosmetology
Dental Science
Emergency Medical Technician
Family and Consumer Sciences
Human and Social Services
Medical Assisting
Nursing Assistant
Sports Medicine
Public Service & Safety
Emergency Telecommunications
Fire Science
Forensic Science
Law Enforcement
Military Science
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Electronic Technology
Engineering Foundations
Industrial Maintenance
Welding Technology
Construction
Building Trades in Construction Technology
Design Drafting
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR)
Supply Chain & Transportation
Automotive Technology
Aviation Maintenance Technician
Aviation Technology
Diesel Technology
**Cross-Cutting Clusters: Denote careers that overlap in all industries, highlighting the versatile and interconnected nature of today’s workforce. These careers can stand on their own or be contextualized in each Cluster and emphasize the need for adaptability in navigating the modern economy.