ABOUT US

Greetings! I’m delighted to have you visit my corner of the internet and share a glimpse into the journey that led me to establish Career and Technical Training, a pioneering Career and Technical Education (CTE) supply & consulting company. With over five decades of life experiences, learnings, and achievements, allow me to take you on a brief excursion through my remarkable story.

Early Years and Passion for Education: Born and raised in the heart of Minnesota, I developed a deep appreciation for education from an early age. The transformative power of learning fascinated me, and I knew that empowering others with the right tools and resources could shape their futures. My formative years were marked by a relentless curiosity, which eventually guided me towards my life’s purpose.

Foundation of CATT: In 2003, armed with a vision and a burning desire to bridge the gap between education and practical skills, I founded Career and Technical Training. Recognizing the significance of applicable education in shaping well-rounded individuals, I embarked on a mission to provide educators with high-quality supplies, materials, and resources that align with modern industry standards.

Building Bridges Between Education and Industry: Over the years, CATT has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the realm of CTE supplies. With an unwavering commitment to providing educators and students with the tools they need to excel, our company has grown and adapted to the changing needs of education and industry alike.

Nurturing Partnerships and Empowering Futures: One of the most gratifying aspects of this journey has been forging strong partnerships with educational institutions, industry experts, and fellow visionaries who share our passion. These collaborations have allowed us to stay at the forefront of educational trends and emerging technologies, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Legacy and Looking Forward: As I stand here today, at the age of 58, I am immensely proud of the legacy CATT has built. Our dedication to education, innovation, and community has transformed the CTE landscape and touched countless lives along the way. But this is only the beginning.

As the future unfolds, I remain committed to fostering a seamless connection between education and the ever-evolving demands of industries. The journey ahead is bound to be as exciting as the path that has brought us here, and I eagerly anticipate the continued growth of CATT as a beacon of excellence in CTE support.

Thank you for learning about me and the passion that drives Career and Technical Training. I invite you to explore our range of offerings, connect with our vibrant community, and join us as we shape the future of education together.

Warm regards,

Jeff Slupe Founder, Career and Technical Training, LLC (CATT)

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WHAT IS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION?

Career and Technical Education, often called CTE for short, helps students prepare for specific jobs or careers right after high school. It’s different from the regular subjects you learn in school, like math or history. In Career and Technical Education, you learn practical skills for different jobs, like computer programming, healthcare, mechanics, cooking, or even design. It’s like getting hands-on experience and learning how to do real-world tasks. CTE programs usually have classes that teach you both the theory behind the job and the actual skills you’ll need to do it.

These programs are great for students who already know what kind of job they might want. They allow you to explore that career path early on and decide if it’s something you enjoy and want to pursue further. Plus, when you finish a CTE program, you could have the skills to start working immediately or continue your education in a related field. Overall, Career and Technical Education is all about getting ready for the world of work and gaining practical skills that can set you up for success in your chosen career.

92% of high school students and 69% of college and adult students are engaged in CTE, learning skills in the classroom and on the job. 1
CTE high school students are college and career-ready – 94% graduate high school, and most enroll directly in college. 2
CTE associate degrees can pay $10,000 more per year than associate degrees in other fields – and can even pay more than bachelor’s degrees – while limiting student debt. 3
CTE answers the nation’s projected deficit of 6.5 million skilled workers, including infrastructure, health care, and manufacturing workforce shortages. 4

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Resources of Colorado CTE

Resources of National CTE

1 U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), Base-year, 2013 Update, and High School Transcript File; U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015–16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16).
2 Perkins Collaborative Resource Network, Perkins Data Explorer, customized Consolidated Annual Report data; U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Consolidated State Performance Report, 2010-11 through 2017-18; U.S. Department of Education, NCES, HSLS:09, Base-year, 2013 Update, High School Transcript, and Second Follow-Up.
3 Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. (2020). The overlooked value of certificates and associate’s degrees: What students need to know before they go to college; Schneider, M. (2013). Higher education pays; College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges; NCES, IPEDS Fall 2020 Enrollment data and IPEDS 2020 Institutional Characteristics data.
4 Construction Industry Resources as cited in Ngo, M. (2021). Skilled workers are scarce, posing a challenge for Biden’s infrastructure plan. New York Times; Korn Ferry. (2018). Future of work: The global talent crunch; Strack, R., Carrasco, M., Kolo, P., Nouri, N., Priddis, M., & George, R. (2021). The future of jobs in the era of AI; Wellener, P., Reyes, V., Ashton, H., & Moutray, C. (2021). Creating pathways for tomorrow’s workforce today.