School constructs state-of-the-art training facilities on its premises to equip students with employment-ready skills in the local job market.
Beloit, Wisconsin's Career and Technical Education Program Shines
Beloit Memorial High School in Wisconsin has a robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that sets it apart from many schools across the nation. The school revamped its CTE offerings in 2018, focusing on providing students with practical, hands-on experience that often surpasses technical college training[1][3][4].
As of 2025, nearly one-third of Beloit Memorial students concentrate in CTE programs, far exceeding Wisconsin’s statewide goal of 7% participation by 2026. More than 40% of students graduate with at least one industry-recognized certification, and 25% earn multiple certifications. This focus on CTE correlates with a 90% graduation rate among CTE concentrators—15 percentage points above the national average[1][3].
The school's CTE facilities are impressive, with a large construction workshop, metal shop equipped with 16 welding stations, a die-cutter machine, and an eight-bay car repair center. These on-campus workshops provide students with advanced, real-world experience[1][3].
Beloit is not alone in its focus on CTE. States like Indiana, Kentucky, and Alabama are also actively expanding their CTE programs. Across the U.S. in 2024, 40 states enacted numerous CTE-related policies (152 total), marking the largest state-level CTE policy push in five years[3].
| Aspect | Beloit, WI | Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | CTE Participation Rate | ~33% of students concentrate in CTE (high rate) | Increasing sharply statewide with strong policy support[3] | | Facilities | High-end on-campus workshops exceeding many colleges | Varies, but increasingly high-quality facilities and apprenticeships offered statewide[3]| | Certification Rates | >40% graduate with at least one industry certification | Focus on credentials and apprenticeships improving statewide | | Graduation Outcomes | 90% graduation rate for CTE students (15 pts higher than national average) | Similar positive impacts reported statewide[3] | | State Policy Trends | Wisconsin set 7% Workplace Learning Program target, surpassed by Beloit | Multiple policies enacted across these states to expand CTE access and workforce readiness |
In Beloit, the demand for CTE education is high. The welding program alone has 125 students this year, with 65 more turned away due to space limitations. The school's first smoker created in the welding class was even bought by the school's principal[1].
Manufacturing and construction dominate the business needs in Beloit, a small city in Wisconsin. Chris Hooker, the HVAC manager of Lloyd's Plumbing and Heating Corp., teaches HVAC concepts to students at Beloit Memorial High School's advanced manufacturing academy. If Hooker's firm has an opening, any student recommended by teacher Mike Wagner would be a "done deal"[1].
The school's focus on CTE has also positively impacted attendance. Beloit Memorial's attendance went from 78.5 percent to 84.8 percent in the same period[1]. The school now has three academies that cover 13 different career paths, preparing students for successful, local careers[1].
[1] [Source 1] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- In Beloit, Wisconsin, the high demand for CTE education is evident, with the welding program alone having 125 students, and 65 more being turned away due to space limitations, reflecting a broader national trend towards CTE education.
- To address this demand for CTE education, Beloit Memorial High School's advanced manufacturing academy trains students in various fields, such as HVAC, providing them with the skills needed for successful, local careers, like in the case of Chris Hooker's firm, Lloyd's Plumbing and Heating Corp.
- As inequality in employment opportunities persists, CTE education and self-development, particularly in vocational fields like construction and manufacturing, plays a crucial role in career development and workforce development, driving innovation and increasing a community's competitiveness, as demonstrated in Beloit, Wisconsin.
