This session helps career and technical education (CTE) teachers connect classroom instruction to real-world careers across multiple pathways by showcasing Kentucky Chamber Foundation–backed regional collaborations that link educators with local employers (hospitals, skilled trades, construction) to boost student career awareness, work-based learning (WBL), and pathway alignment. Using the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework, presenters will demonstrate practical industry partnership strategies—such as Bus to Business, the Educators Guide to Industry, and Youth Hiring Academies—to expose students to high‑demand careers, expand meaningful employer engagement, and address hiring of students under 18. Participants will leave with concrete, adaptable strategies (site visits, guest speakers, industry exposure) to integrate career awareness and WBL into CTE programs and to strengthen connections to postsecondary education and high‑demand fields like health care, construction, and the trades.
