ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

Why Faith-Based CTE Now? As education leaders respond to shifting Gen Z priorities and widening gaps in non-college workforce pathways, traditional trade-school models—while effective at teaching technical skills—often fall short in addressing students’ growing desire for purpose, identity, belonging, and direction in their work. This session explores why this moment presents a unique leadership opportunity to strengthen Career and Technical Education through values-anchored formation that supports both workforce readiness andwhole-person development. Using some data on the growing numbers of Gen Z embracing faith and purpose, and the Purpose to Path electrician pre-apprenticeship pilot as a possible case example, participants will examine how small, scalable training cohorts can serve as entry points into purpose-centered skilled-trades pathways that improve engagement, persistence, and long-term employability.

This session will benefit secondary and postsecondary CTE leaders, workforce development professionals, apprenticeship sponsors, faith-based educators, and community organizations seeking more effective pathways for 18–24-year-olds entering the trades outside traditional college routes. Participants will gain practical strategies for launching pilot cohorts, aligning employer partnerships, and integrating character-based employability competencies that strengthen retention and program success.

Attendees will leave with a simple framework they can apply immediately to begin designing or strengthening purpose-centered workforce pathways within their own institutions, along with partnership-alignment ideas that connect education, industry, and community-based organizations.

The session will be delivered as an interactive roundtable featuring guided discussion prompts, a partnership-mapping activity, or a pilot-design reflection tool participants can adapt for use in their schools, colleges, or workforce initiatives. Together, participants will explore why faith-based CTE is emerging now as part of a growing national movement to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through meaningful entry points into the skilled trades.  These activities also depend on time allowed.