Overview of Nebraska CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to integrate academic, technical, and employability skills for postsecondary education, industry credentials, or direct workforce entry. These programs emphasize work-based learning (WBL) as a capstone for career readiness, per the Nebraska Career Education Model and Perkins V State Plan (2025-2029). The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment, with pathways in areas like construction trades, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and drafting. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE endorsement (e.g., on the transcript or for postsecondary articulation), students must:
- Complete a sequence of 3+ CTE credits (introductory, technical, application levels).
- Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1) or a structured WBL experience (e.g., 100+ hours).
- Participate in WBL, such as internships or apprenticeships, which supports the state’s Launch WBL! initiative for equitable access.
WBL, including internships, is coordinated locally by districts and career centers, funded via Perkins V grants (~$10M annually) and a $20M two-year state contract (2023-2025) to scale programs like InternNE. Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), internships often provide paid/unpaid placements through partnerships with employers and community colleges (e.g., Northeast Community College). Nebraska’s construction sector projects 8% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$48,000+ amid labor shortages; CTE enrollment serves ~270,000 secondary students, with completers achieving 95%+ graduation rates and 85% postsecondary/workforce placement.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) Internships in Architecture & Construction
NDE’s primary internship mechanism is structured WBL internships, a capstone “extension” of CTE coursework offered to 11th/12th graders. For Construction pathways, placements apply skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms/sites, defined by a training agreement with objectives. InternNE, managed by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, provides grants to businesses for paid high school internships, reducing barriers and aligning with CTE. Youth apprenticeships (e.g., via Pathways to STEM) offer paid summer experiences leading to credentials.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBL Internship in Construction Trades (NDE Capstone) | 0.5-1 (semester/full-year) | Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, drafting, or electrical. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and soft skills; leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials. Integrates with CTSOs like SkillsUSA. | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; training agreement with objectives. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid via InternNE grants ($12-18/hour). |
| InternNE High School Internship in Architecture & Construction | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Exploratory/Application (Juniors/Seniors) | Paid experiential learning (15+ hours/week) with employers, applying skills in building trades or project management; emphasizes networking and pre-apprenticeship hours. Statewide platform scales partnerships at no cost to schools/businesses. | High school enrollment in CTE pathway; career interest match. Application via school coordinator and InternNE portal (fall deadlines). Targets underrepresented students; grants cover 50%+ wages. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Youth Apprenticeship in Construction (Pathways to STEM/Registered) | 1-2 | Advanced (Seniors) | Paid apprenticeship-style internship (200+ hours) with DOL-registered contractors, combining site work and RTI; focuses on sustainable construction or heavy equipment. Summer start before senior year; earns postsecondary credit. | Age 16+; pathway enrollment; employer match via NDE. Application through school; waiver for hazardous work. Paid; leads to journeyman path. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence (per NDE 2025-26 frameworks):
- Introductory: Intro to Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Construction Trades I (1 cr.), Architectural Drafting (1 cr.), Electrical Systems (1 cr.), HVAC Fundamentals (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or AWS credentials.
District and Program Examples
NDE approves CTE pathways in ~250 high schools and 20+ career centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~150 sites via hands-on programs. Partnerships with Northeast Community College, ABC Nebraska, and SkillsUSA enhance WBL. Examples:
- Fremont Public Schools (Pathfinder CTE Center): $28M center with construction drafting pathway; WBL internships at local builders for welding/carpentry; 90%+ completers enter apprenticeships.
- Elkhorn Public Schools: CTE scholarships tied to internships in construction trades; partners with Avenue Scholars for paid placements; focuses on community service integration.
- Bellevue Public Schools: Robust construction/woods programs with co-ops at firms; career center dives into trades like metals; high enrollment (25%+ of students).
- Omaha Northwest High School: Energy systems/construction pathway with upcoming internships (starting 2026); aligns with industry needs for infrastructure.
- Blair High School (via Northeast CC Partners): Rural construction POS with senior apprenticeships; dual credits and paid summer WBL for hands-on exploration.
For a full list, see the NDE Career Clusters or Approved Pathways.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- InternNE Grants: Businesses receive funding for paid internships; expands access statewide via enhanced platform.
- Nebraska Career Connections (Kuder Navigator): Free tool for pathway exploration, skills assessments, and WBL planning; used in middle/high schools.
- Youth Apprenticeships: $20M state investment for STEM/construction; includes summer paid experiences.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; funded via Perkins V and integrated into WBL.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL/InternNE apps via NDE WBL Page or InternNE (fall deadlines). Working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators have 12-point higher graduation rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ placement, addressing 10,000+ annual openings.
For details, visit NDE CTE Page or email cte@nebraska.gov. Nebraska’s focus on CTE combats brain drain, prioritizing high-demand trades like construction.