Career and technical education may be the most dynamic sector of New York City public schools as educators race to keep pace with changing workforce needs. Industry partnerships, which are a crucial piece, are reshaping curricula and revolutionizing how we fund CTE programs in the city and throughout the nation.

A prime example of this innovative approach is the recent partnership among the UFT, Micron Technology and the American Federation of Teachers, our parent union.

This collaboration was instrumental in Micron’s ability to secure a $6.1 billion award from the state via the federal CHIPS Act, which aims to bolster the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industry in the United States.

The UFT played an important role by assisting Micron in developing an advanced technology framework that the city and nine other school districts around the state will use to develop programming for students to gain experience in this industry. It will also provide externships and professional development opportunities for our members.

In May, a group of six educators from the Brooklyn STEAM Center and Thomas Edison HS in Queens — the two pilot schools representing New York City for the Micron project — traveled to Micron’s headquarters in Manassas, Virginia, to discuss the skill sets needed in specific careers in the semiconductor industry and best practices to align curriculum to build out or develop CTE programs.

This initiative is part of a broader movement in which educational institutions and industry giants join forces to create mutually beneficial outcomes. These partnerships ensure that the technical content in classroom settings remains relevant, and students and teachers gain the practical skills needed in rapidly evolving sectors.

For instance, this year, 10 electric vehicles were delivered to automotive CTE programs throughout the city as a result of a partnership with rental car giant Hertz and the city Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Electric vehicle (EV) specialists provided in-school training to auto educators, preparing them for the changes in the automotive industry — all at no additional cost to the DOE.

Renato Rosales, a CTE automotive teacher, is being trained in EV technology at his school, A-Tech HS in Brooklyn, where the Hertz initiative donated three electric vehicles. “We’re compelled to further our education and the education of our students to be aware of the electric vehicle and how to service it,” Rosales said. “The training has been successful in giving us the tools to enhance our curriculum.”

Industry financial support for CTE programs helps programs like A-Tech’s remain state of the art by embedding industry-specific advancements and ensures a direct connection from school to workforce.

Looking ahead, the health care industry seems to be the next significant sector that is ripe for transformation through industry partnerships. As health care continues to integrate more advanced technologies and requires higher levels of specialized knowledge, partnerships similar to those seen in the advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors will be crucial.

The DOE announced a major collaboration with Northwell Health in February. Northwell Health will help design the Northwell School of Health Sciences, a new CTE high school slated to open in Queens in 2025, to help meet the industry’s growing need for nurses and other health care professionals.

The future of CTE is bright, with industry partnerships providing a robust framework for funding and innovation. By fostering these relationships, we can ensure that career and technical education remains at the forefront of preparing students for the ever-changing demands of today’s workforce.