As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced manufacturing rapidly reshape the labor market, postsecondary CTE institutions face growing pressure to ensure programs are current, agile, and closely aligned with industry needs. This session explores how DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) can serve as a powerful, evidence-informed strategy for designing and continuously updating CTE programs to prepare learners and institutions for
a technology-driven workforce.
Participants will learn how DACUM engages industry experts to clearly define job competencies, identify emerging skill needs, and translate workforce demands into actionable curriculum and credentialing decisions. We will highlight how DACUM can be used not only for traditional program development, but also for integrating new technologies into curriculum, supporting faculty professional development, strengthening industry partnerships, and responding proactively to workforce disruption.
Drawing on applied examples from postsecondary CTE programs, we will demonstrate how DACUM supports innovation with measurable impact, helping institutions move from reactive updates to intentional, scalable program design that keeps pace with evolving technologies and labor market trends.
