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Career Connected Learning Hub

This Hub is designed to support Massachusetts educators to have readily available instructional resources for career connected learning based on Massachusetts labor market needs and the opportunities available to career seekers in Massachusetts.

Learn more

Reimagining the Frameworks

The Career Connected Learning Hub brings together the following resources all in one place, so educators can more easily translate standards into practice and connect learning to real-world careers:
  • Career Technical Education Instructional frameworks
  • Industry recognized credentials
  • Career and labor market information
  • Instructional resources

How to Use the Career Technical Education (CTE) Frameworks

CTE frameworks are designed to be a practical tool for instructional planning and career connection. Each framework is comprised of standards, skills, and industry recognized credentials (IRCs). Frameworks are the foundation that help educators:
  1. Understand what students need to know and be able to do for future careers
    Each framework outlines the standards and skills identified to be prepared for employment, apprenticeships, and further education in that career area. See more about the frameworks
  2. Align instruction to IRCs
    IRCs are endorsements of skills and knowledge that students can earn.
    • Essential industry credentials are high-demand credentials in the target job market, and/or credentials required for target occupations. Essential safety credentials verify that students have the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in their target occupation. A complete list of essential credentials and safety credentials by career area can be found on the Essential Credentials by Program page.
    • Supplemental credentials are additional credentials that may be specific to a given software, technology, or equipment, or may be reflective of regional workforce demands.

How CTE Educators and Administrators use the CTE Frameworks

Educators of CTE programs use these resources for planning instruction, aligning curriculum to IRCs, and preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers and postsecondary pathways.
  1. Understand what students need to know and be able to do for future careers
    Each framework outlines the standards and skills identified to be prepared for employment, apprenticeships, and further education in that career area.
  2. Align instruction to IRCs
    All CTE programs must offer students at least one essential industry credential, and at least one safety credential. Programs may offer supplemental credentials to further differentiate their offerings and provide opportunities for specialization but are not required to do so.
  3. Plan instruction across cross-industry skills
    All programs integrate cross-industry skills that support transferable, career ready skills:/span>
    • Health & Safety
    • Academic Knowledge & Technical Skills
    • Professional Readiness with Employability Skills
    • Entrepreneurial Skills & Mindset
    • Digital Literacy
See more about the strands on the Cross-Industry Skills page.

Last Updated: April 6, 2026

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