The Why and the How For Creating CTE Spaces

By: Education Market Specialist Sharon Lasher, CPA, and Senior Project Architect II Kelly Kuplicki, AIA, NCARB

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming is undeniably growing in popularity across the United States and in New York State. A study by the New York State School Boards Association notes that CTE enrollment in the state increased by approximately 37 percent between the 2016-17 and 2021-22 school years.

There are many potential reasons for this growth, including the additional opportunities CTE spaces provide students to engage in learning experiences suited to their interests. Students who participate in CTE programs learn in authentic, industry-level environments that foster lifelong skillsets and prepare them for fruitful careers.

CTE students can graduate high school with employable skills and industry certifications, and many of these programs provide students with college credits, work-based learning opportunities, and foundational skills that will help them as they pursue a post-secondary education and/or career.

As CTE programs continue to expand, many local school districts are working to create dedicated internal workspaces that address student interest and align with regional workforce opportunities.

However, designing these workspaces differs from designing traditional classroom environments. CTE spaces tend to occupy more square footage than conventional classrooms, and each CTE program comes with its own unique needs. For example, an automotive technology program would require elevated garage doors and space for hydraulic lifts, while a culinary arts program would need enough space for various industrial-sized ovens, refrigerators, and cooking stations.

This is where engaging a design professional is essential. With school district staff possessing expertise regarding program requirements, design professionals can provide creative layout options, ensuring each new CTE space effectively meets the needs of students.

The Why: How CTE Programs Support Student Growth

As CTE programs continue to rise in popularity, the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) continues to approve additional pathways for students to explore fields, including but not limited to health sciences, trades, and business.

CTE programs have come a long way and now provide students with industry-standard skills that prepare them for employment directly following graduation or better prepare them for post-secondary education.

These programs can also help strengthen community partnerships by creating internship opportunities across a variety of career paths, many of which can develop into employment opportunities upon graduation.

The How: Collaborating to Develop Impactful Spaces

Unlike a traditional classroom that can be developed utilizing a “cookie cutter” design, no two CTE spaces are identical. Each space reflects the vision and instructional priorities of the district while also meeting the spatial parameters designated for the program. For these reasons, early, consistent communication between district staff and design professionals is essential.

It is also crucial to design a space that not only fits the needs of today but also accounts for where the industry is anticipated to go in the future. For example, if technological advancements are expected to impact the restaurant industry, what specific requirements should be incorporated into a new culinary arts program space to ensure it has the resources to support student success?

These considerations were all factored into the recent completion of a cosmetology suite at Farmingdale School District. The district aimed to create a modern space within their high school to meet the regional demand within the cosmetology industry.

Working within a limited footprint, designers aimed to develop a space that balanced the district’s vision for student success and the need for a comfortable and functional environment. Similar to a professional salon or barbershop, adequate space between workstations is essential. This ensures that stylists perform services efficiently and clients remain comfortable. This was particularly key for Farmingdale High School’s cosmetology suite considering each station required specialized ventilation systems to facilitate the safe removal of chemicals, such as nail polish remover and hair spray.

Working closely with the District throughout the process proved to be pivotal in determining the optimum balance between student capacity and an effective workspace. Through ongoing collaboration with District leadership, the design team developed a plan that aligned with the District’s vision for the program.

As a result, the space includes 20 individual workstations, creatively concealed ductwork, and integrated instructional technologies, providing students with the resources needed for future success.

Conclusion

The continued popularity of CTE programs reflects the desire by students to learn a trade and be better prepared for a successful transition to college or the workforce. By investing in thoughtfully designed CTE spaces, districts are opening doors for students to find success in alternative ways.

As NYSED continues to expand approved CTE pathways, districts with the capabilities to develop these offerings are positioned to support students in a whole new way. Working collaboratively with design professionals can ensure these spaces are functional, comfortable, and most importantly, reflective of industry standards that maximize student opportunities.