ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

Many CareerTech professionals are expected to train, guide, and support businesses, students, and teams, but often default to giving advice, providing answers, or delivering information. While efficient in the moment, this approach can limit ownership, engagement, and long-term results. This session introduces coaching as a practical, accessible skill that strengthens workforce outcomes by helping individuals think clearly, take ownership, and develop sustainable solutions.


Participants will learn a simple framework for integrating coaching into everyday conversations, trainings, and client interactions. Rather than adding more to their workload, this approach enhances what they are already doing, whether conducting needs assessments, facilitating meetings, or supporting program implementation. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of when to shift from telling to asking, and how to use a small set of coaching questions to drive better outcomes across their programs and partnerships.


This session is designed for CareerTech leaders, WED professionals, instructors, and administrators who want to increase engagement, improve communication, and produce stronger, more consistent results with the individuals and organizations they serve. The content is especially valuable for those working directly with businesses, students, or cross-functional teams where buy-in and follow-through are critical.


The session will be highly interactive, incorporating live demonstrations, guided practice, and small-group discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to apply coaching techniques in real time, reflect on their current approach, and identify immediate opportunities for use within their own programs or institutions.


Attendees will receive practical tools and resources, including a coaching conversation framework, a set of plug-and-play coaching questions, and a simple guide for applying coaching in trainings, meetings, and client interactions. These resources are designed for immediate use and easy integration into existing workflows.

This session showcases a proven partnership between Meridian Technology Center and USIC designed to address workforce shortages in underground utility locating through employer‑driven postsecondary CTE programming. Presenters will outline how industry and education collaborated to align curriculum with real‑world job requirements, establish stackable credentials, and create direct pathways into high‑demand infrastructure careers.

This session will benefit postsecondary CTE leaders, administrators, faculty, workforce coordinators, and industry partners seeking practical models for strengthening employer partnerships and improving student employment outcomes. Attendees will leave with replicable strategies for engaging industry partners, co‑designing training, and building sustainable programs that respond to regional and national workforce needs.

Participants will apply the content through guided discussion, real‑world examples, and partnership planning prompts that translate directly to their own institutions or programs. The session will actively engage attendees through interactive dialogue, reflection questions, and shared tools, encouraging participants to assess their current partnerships and identify concrete next steps for implementation.