Overview of Indiana CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to prepare students for postsecondary education, industry credentials, or high-demand careers. These programs integrate academic rigor with technical skills, emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) as a key component for pathway completion and the Graduation Pathways requirement (effective since 2018). The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like building construction trades, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction management. To qualify as a CTE concentrator (earning an endorsement on the transcript and meeting Graduation Pathway #3), students must:
- Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, advanced levels, totaling 3 credits).
- Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1, AWS Welding) or a structured WBL experience.
- Participate in WBL, such as internships, apprenticeships, or capstone projects, which demonstrates employability skills and can count toward dual credits or the Seal of Biliteracy/Advanced Studies.
WBL is coordinated locally by school districts, career centers, and partners like Ivy Tech Community College, funded via Perkins V grants and the Career Scholarship Account (CSA) program (up to $5,000/year for grades 10-12 in construction-related training). Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), internships often provide paid/unpaid placements (e.g., 100+ hours) through the EARN Indiana program, which subsidizes employer wages. Indiana’s construction sector projects 9% growth through 2030, with entry wages averaging $50,000+ amid a skilled labor shortage. In 2024-25, over 250,000 students enrolled in funded CTE courses, with 45% achieving concentrator status.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction
The primary CHE/IDOE-approved internship mechanism is WBL, a capstone for CTE pathways under the Graduation Pathways framework. For Construction, it involves supervised placements applying skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms or sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours or dual credits with Ivy Tech. EARN Indiana expands access by providing financial incentives to employers for paid high school internships. WBL must align with the student’s career plan and includes reflective assessments.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work-Based Learning Internship in Construction Trades (e.g., Capstone Course #9052) | 1-2 (full-year) | Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, electrical, or project management. Includes mentor supervision, employability training, employer evaluations, and portfolio development; integrates with CTSOs like SkillsUSA. Leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials or EARN subsidies. | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; career interest match via InTERS system. Parent consent; WBL coordinator required. Paid options via EARN Indiana ($10-15/hour, employer-subsidized). |
| EARN Indiana High School Internship in Building Construction | 0.5-1 | Application (Juniors/Seniors) | Paid experiential learning (15+ hours/week) with employers, applying skills in trades like HVAC/plumbing; emphasizes on-the-job training and soft skills. Subsidizes up to 50% of wages for eligible employers. | Full/part-time high school enrollment; SAI ≤24,570 (from FAFSA); no prior bachelor’s. Application via school counselor and Work and Learn Indiana portal; aligns with CTE pathway. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Pre-Apprenticeship Internship via Indiana Plan (Union Trades Focus) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Advanced (Seniors) | Structured placement (200+ hours) with DOL-registered union contractors (e.g., carpenters, plumbers), combining site work and RTI; prepares for full apprenticeship. Includes OSHA 10 training. | Age 16+ (18+ for hazardous work); pathway enrollment; high school diploma/GED pursuit. Targets underrepresented students; application via Built to Succeed or school CTE coordinator. Paid; leads to journeyman path. |
These integrate into the Construction pathway sequence (per 2025-26 IDOE Course Descriptions):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction Trades (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Building Trades I (1 cr.), Electrical Fundamentals (1 cr.), Carpentry/Welding (1 cr.), HVAC Operations (1 cr.).
- Advanced (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or AWS credentials.
District and Program Examples
CHE approves CTE pathways in over 400 high schools and 20+ career centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~200 sites via hands-on programs. Partnerships with Ivy Tech, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Indiana, and unions enhance WBL. Examples:
- West Central Indiana CTE (Crawfordsville/North Montgomery/Southmont/Western Boone): Construction pathway with EARN-funded internships at local builders; dual credits via Ivy Tech; 90%+ completers earn credentials and enter apprenticeships.
- Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS): Pathways at 20+ high schools (e.g., via EmployIndy Talent Bound); paid internships/apprenticeships in urban construction; 85% job placement rate for concentrators.
- Vincennes Community School Corporation: Building Trades program with WBL co-ops; partners with Indiana Plan for union pre-apprenticeships; focuses on rural trades.
- Boone County (e.g., Lebanon High School via ABC Prep Academy): Hands-on construction academy with summer internships; counts toward CTE pathway and diploma.
- Allen County (e.g., via Northeast Indiana Area Career and Technical Center): Construction management focus with EARN placements; integrates SkillsUSA competitions.
For a full list, see the 2025-26 Indiana CTE Course Descriptions or CTE Career Guide.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Career Scholarship Account (CSA): $5,000/year for grades 10-12 in construction training, including WBL costs; covers tools, certifications, and transport.
- Indiana Plan Pre-Apprenticeship: Free 2-week program for trades entry, leading to high school internships; sponsored by Indiana State Building Trades.
- Ivy Tech Dual Credits: Stackable credentials in construction trades, transferable to apprenticeships.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; funded via Perkins V and CSA.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL/EARN apps via Work and Learn Indiana (fall deadlines). FAFSA required for 2025+ graduates; working papers for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates (12 points higher than non-CTE); construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement, with one-third earning 9+ dual credits.
For details, visit CHE CTE Page or email cte@che.in.gov. Indiana’s infrastructure investments create 15,000+ annual construction openings.