Date of Conferral

12-27-2024

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Mary Kropiewnicki

Abstract

A gap in career and technical education (CTE) skills can negatively influence outcomes for students who plan to enter the workforce or college following high school graduation. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of principals, counselors, teachers, and business leaders from different industries, about the skills gap among CTE students and their preparation for the workforce or college. Kathuria’s organizational alignment theory grounded this study. For this case study design, semistructured interviews were conducted with nine participants purposively selected from each stakeholder group: principals, counselors, teachers, and business leaders from different industries. All participants worked with CTE programs for at least 5 years and were affiliated with the study site. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of the following themes: (a) high school graduates from CTE programs are being underprepared to enter the workforce and (b) the skills gap encompassed hard skills and soft skills. Results of the study found that all stakeholders perceived high school students as being underprepared to enter the workforce and that it was attributed in large part due to a lack of soft skills. District and school leaders may use the results of this study to address gaps in CTE curricula and re-evaluate how stakeholders are aligned in their efforts. Future research could explore more stakeholders from diverse regions and from multiple business industries. This study contributes to positive social change by emphasizing the need for improvements in CTE programs, particularly the integration of soft skills curricula. These enhancements will help ensure students are career-ready, more skilled, adaptable, and part of a workforce that positively impacts society and the greater good.

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