Overview of Kentucky CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 17 national career clusters to integrate academic and technical skills for postsecondary education, certifications, or workforce entry. These programs emphasize work-based learning (WBL) as a capstone for pathway completion, per 705 KAR 4:041. The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like construction carpentry, electrical technology, air conditioning, heavy equipment, and masonry. To qualify as a pathway completer (earning a CTE endorsement on the transcript and contributing to school accountability), students must:
- Complete a minimum of four credits in an approved program of study (POS), including introductory, technical, and application levels.
- Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1, AWS Welding) or complete a structured WBL experience (e.g., 300+ on-the-job hours).
- Participate in WBL, such as internships, co-ops, or apprenticeships, aligned to the student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
WBL is coordinated locally by districts and area technology centers (ATCs), funded via Perkins V grants (~$15M annually). It’s available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), often paid/unpaid, and earns credit (e.g., 1 credit for 135+ hours). Senate Bills 59 (2022) and 25 (2023) added co-ops/internships as accountability indicators. Kentucky’s construction sector projects 8% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$48,000+ amid shortages. In 2024-25, ~200,000 students enrolled in CTE, with completers showing 95%+ graduation rates.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction
KDE’s primary internship mechanisms are co-ops and internships, integrated into CTE POS as capstones. For Construction pathways, placements apply skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms/sites, often via the Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) program. All must follow the KDE WBL Manual and child labor laws. Co-ops require enrollment after 3-4 pathway credits or in approved pre-apprenticeships; internships need 300+ hours for accountability.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internship (Carpentry/Construction) (Course #460245) | 1-2 (full-year) | Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 300 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, site layout, or foundations. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and CTSO integration (e.g., SkillsUSA). Leads to NCCER/OSHA credentials or TRACK pre-apprenticeship hours. | Age 16+; 3+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; ILP alignment. Parent consent; training agreement; quarterly site visits. Paid options ($10-15/hour) via employer partners. |
| Co-op in Construction Trades (Course # Various, e.g., 901005 Experience-Based Work) | 1-2 | Capstone (Seniors) | Year-long paid work-study (15+ hours/week) combining classroom RTI with on-site trades like electrical/HVAC; culminates in portfolio and certification. Counts toward accountability if 300+ hours. | Senior status; 4 pathway credits or pre-apprenticeship enrollment; GPA 2.0+; interview/employer match. WBL coordinator required; after-school/weekend hours eligible. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Construction TRACK Youth Apprenticeship (CIP 46.0000.99) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Advanced (Juniors/Seniors) | Paid apprenticeship-style internship (200+ hours) with DOL-registered contractors, focusing on residential carpentry or heavy equipment; includes RTI and leads to journeyman path. Partners with unions/employers. | Age 16+; pathway enrollment; approved TRACK program. Targets underrepresented students; application via school coordinator. Paid; hazardous work waiver for 16+. |
These integrate into the Construction pathway sequence (per 2025-26 KDE POS):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Construction Carpentry I (1 cr.), Electrical Technology (1 cr.), Air Conditioning Technology (1 cr.), Heavy Equipment Sciences (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Trades with Internship/Co-op (1-2 cr.), leading to NCCER or AWS credentials.
District and Program Examples
KDE approves CTE POS in ~350 high schools and 53 ATCs, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~200 sites via hands-on labs. Partnerships with KCTCS, ABC Kentucky, and SkillsUSA enhance WBL. Examples:
- Fayette County Public Schools (e.g., Henry Clay High School): Construction pathway with co-ops at local builders; TRACK apprenticeships; 85%+ completers earn credentials and enter trades/college.
- Jefferson County Public Schools (e.g., via DuPont Manual ATC): Electrical/Construction POS with paid internships; partners with Louisville builders for urban trades; high WBL placement (90%+).
- Henderson County High School: Construction carpentry focus with NTI-supported internships; emphasizes hands-on projects leading to co-ops.
- Powell County Schools: Building Trades pathway with WBL via local firms; aligns with ILP for rural students.
- Madison County ATC (Estill County HS Campus): Health/construction hybrid with co-ops; network of mentors for underrepresented groups.
For a full list, see the 2025-26 KDE Program of Studies or CTE Program Areas.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- TRACK Program: Statewide youth apprenticeships in construction; seamless to registered programs.
- Perkins V Grants: Funds WBL expansion, including employer incentives.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; integrated into internships and funded via grants.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via district (fall deadlines). Use Infinite Campus for tracking; working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement, with co-ops boosting employability.
For details, visit KDE CTE Page or email cte@education.ky.gov. Kentucky’s infrastructure projects demand 12,000+ skilled construction workers annually.