Over 50% of high school students in the VALEES region are enrolled in at least one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course. CTE programs engage students in rigorous, complex, problem-based learning experiences. Students in CTE courses build academic skills, develop technical work-based skills and knowledge, including critically important employability skills, and thoughtfully consider career pathways along their journey to their future careers. Over 60% of the jobs in the U.S. require workers with technical skills.

Partnerships are critically important in today's rapidly changing world. VALEES has collaborative partnerships with 21 secondary schools in the region, colleges and universities, regional and state offices of education, and numerous business partners and organizations who provide valuable advice and consultation in each CTE program area.