KTEC High School: Constructed for the “Toolbelt Generation”
At KTEC High School, we are dedicated to helping students and parents understand that education is a pathway to both college and career. Our mission is to support our community in recognizing that various educational paths—including vocational training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce—can all lead to high-wage careers. This holistic view measures success not only by college attendance but by the diverse achievements of all our students.
The High Cost of College Prompts a Change in Career Paths
The Education Data Initiative reports that the average cost of college in the United States has more than doubled since the turn of the 21st century. With such steep expenses, many from Gen Z find themselves reconsidering traditional academic routes. The rising cost of higher education has pushed many young people to seek alternatives, as living with unsustainable debt is increasingly viewed as untenable.
KTEC High School’s Role in Shaping Future Careers
As highlighted in recent pieces by the Wall Street Journal and NPR, KTEC High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, aligns with current trends that emphasize the value of both traditional and vocational education pathways. Here’s how KTEC is part of the broader solution:
Versatile Educational Pathways:
KTEC offers a range of educational opportunities that prepare students for a variety of high-wage careers, mirroring the growing interest among Gen Z to explore skilled trades as viable options alongside college.
Valuing Skilled Trades:
With better pay and advancements in technology, skilled trades are shedding their old stereotypes. KTEC’s curriculum encourages students to view these careers as respectable and promising, helping shift societal values away from the notion that a four-year degree is the only path to success.
Career and Post High School Education Options:
By integrating modern technologies, KTEC strives to attract more students to trades, thus modernizing the perception of career and post high school education options.
Economic and Practical Considerations:
The significant economic benefits of pursuing skilled trades—evident in rising incomes and job security—support KTEC’s emphasis on the value of all educational outcomes, not just those leading to a four-year degree.
Responding to Labor Market Needs:
KTEC’s programs are vital in preparing a new generation to efficiently fill gaps in the skilled labor market, addressing the national need for robust and reliable services and industries. Our administration meets with industry partners biweekly to ensure the curriculum matches industry standards and includes certifications that transfer to operating systems.
