Planning and Designing Today's Career Tech Facility

During the past 20 years, career and technical education (CTE) has gone through significant changes. CTE has evolved in response to the changes technology has had on the job market. Preparing students for high-tech, high-skill job opportunities is the new focus. The facilities that house these programs, however, have not kept pace with these changes. Beyond that, older, out-of-date facilities can perpetuate the misconception that CTE spaces are "vo-tech" centers. In the planning and design stages of CTE facilities, administrators and their architects must consider these factors, as well as many others. This article discusses six design and planning concepts that will serve as inspiration for new or renovated CTE facilities: (1) the importance of image; (2) simulating the work environment; (3) creating flexibility; (4) integrating technology through layering; (5) letting the building serve as a teaching tool; and (6) designing green.