Career Clusters
Career clusters is a classification system that groups occupations into sixteen different clusters based on similarities in foundational knowledge and skills needed to achieve success. These clusters are then broken down into career pathways. Four classes is the typical structure of a program of study sequence in order to completely master all the common career technical core standards of the pathway. For Perkins V students who complete two classes in a sequence are considered a concentrator, and concentrators who also take a capstone course are completers.
Career pathways focus on smaller subsets of related occupations within a career cluster. They connect to educational programs, industries, and careers. Pathways help students focus on and develop a clear, more informed educational plan over time. Courses and training programs are typically outlined in career pathways that can guide students as they develop and maintain progress toward career goals.
Advancing the Framework – Advance CTE
Advance CTE is currently accepting public comment (through July 7, 2024) on a modernized National Career Clusters Framework.
View the draft for the updated framework here.
Learn more about this initiative and Advance CTE’s vision for how the changes will benefit CTE educators, leaders, students, and industry partners here.
View Advance CTE’s document center for more resources regarding the updated framework.
Career Clusters Guide Book
ANNOUNCING THE 4TH EDITION OF THE CAREER CLUSTERS GUIDE BOOK
We are thrilled to present the 4th edition of the New Mexico Career Clusters Guidebook in English, a comprehensive tool for students planning their educational and career journeys. This latest version offers enriched content and updated pathways to align students’ passions with real-world professions.
ATTENTION:
Due to the current restructuring of the National Career Clusters Framework, the CCRB will not be offering a printed version of the 4th Edition of the Career Clusters Guide. The PDF version is available below. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
New Mexico Career Pathways
NM Career Pathways is a website that allows educators, parents and students to explore detailed information about their local school districts, labor markets and career clusters. With the use of area-specific data that highlights median wages and annual job openings, this site helps students be able to make an informed decision on a career path that best suits them.
NM Content Standards, Benchmarks, and Performance Standards
Each program of study is reflective of New Mexico’s labor analysis, and includes:
- A strong academic core aligned to NM Graduation Requirements and content standards set forth by NMAC 6.29.3
- An articulated system that links each level of learning to the next
- Opportunities including on-the-job training, mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, etc.