Topic guide · Career and technical education
CTE in Michigan
Career and technical education (CTE) in Michigan is hands-on high school programs that teach a career, from welding and construction to health science, IT, culinary arts and engineering, often with industry certifications and college credit. Most large programs run at county career tech centers, where juniors and seniors spend half the day, and CTE can count toward several graduation requirements.
Last checked: October 2026 against the Michigan Department of Education.
What counts as CTE?
A state-approved CTE program has four parts: classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, work-based learning with real employers and a student leadership organization like SkillsUSA or HOSA. Programs line up with a specific career and must have an advisory committee of people from that industry.
Students often finish with an industry certification (like ServSafe, AWS welding, CNA or CompTIA), college credit through an agreement with a community college or a head start on a registered apprenticeship.
Where is CTE taught in Michigan?
At county career tech centers run by intermediate school districts, at local high schools and through consortiums of districts. That's why options vary so much from county to county. Find your ISD's tech center, or search every state-approved program on MI School Data.
Does CTE count toward graduation?
Yes. An approved CTE program can count toward Algebra II, one of the two world language credits, the third science credit and the personal finance half credit. CTE students still meet every Michigan Merit Curriculum requirement and can go straight to college.
Source: MDE, CTE credit exchanges
How is CTE funded?
Every student brings the same $10,300 per-pupil foundation allowance in 2026-27, and CTE unlocks more on top: about $68 million in state funding that only CTE can use, local CTE millages in many counties and federal Perkins money. How the money works.
How do you get into a CTE program?
- Find your ISD's tech center and its programs on the district finder.
- Visit an open house in grade 9 or 10. Popular programs fill before junior year.
- Apply through your high school counselor, and ask about transportation.
Want CTE plus a free associate degree? Look at a career-focused Early Middle College.
Sources: MDE Office of Career and Technical Education · MDE, Four components of CTE
Common questions
What is CTE in Michigan?
Career and technical education: state-approved, hands-on programs that teach a career, combining classroom work, labs, work-based learning and a student leadership group. Many lead to industry certifications or college credit.
Source: Michigan Department of Education
Can CTE students still go to college?
Yes. CTE students meet every Michigan Merit Curriculum requirement, and approved CTE can count toward Algebra II, a world language credit and the third science credit. Many CTE programs also earn college credit.
Source: Michigan Department of Education