Career Tech NJ

05/13/2026

“I think it’s going to go really well…”
And for Cape May County Technical School District, it did. Congratulations to this year’s Cook-Off champions, who earned the title for the second year in a row and once again took home the People’s Choice Award!
Students from all participating schools deserve recognition for their hard work, creativity and dedication throughout the competition. They served up culinary skills with a side of professionalism.
Bergen County Technical Schools
Camden County Technical Schools
Cape May County Technical School District
Essex County Schools of Technology
Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT)
Hudson County Schools of Technology
Mercer County Technical Schools
Monmouth County Vocational School District
OCVTS
Passaic County Technical Institute
Warren County Technical School
And, thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Cook-Off such a success, including celebrity guest judges!

Matthew Groark
Casey Webb
Chef David Burke
Chef Jeff Fritz
Alexandra Donnadio

05/11/2026

In honor of National Technology Day, we’re highlighting how New Jersey county vocational-technical schools are preparing students for careers in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies.

At Mercer County Technical Schools, students are exploring AI and robotics through a new three-course pathway developed in partnership with The College of New Jersey. Middlesex County Magnet Schools are expanding AI-focused career pathways that connect classroom learning with high-demand workforce skills. Burlington County Institute of Technology has a districtwide AI Task Force to help shape the future of AI education across its programs.

Today, we celebrate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who are learning today to lead tomorrow.

Learn more by revisiting NJCCVTS Executive Director Jackie Burke’s NJBIZ column on the expansion of AI career pathways:

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, New Jersey’s county vocational-technical schools are embracing a unique challenge. The schools are helping staff use AI as administrative and teaching tools as well as integrating the technology throughout their various career programs. Such ...

05/06/2026

“If you love what you do, it’s never work.”

This National Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate the Career and Technical Education teachers who guide, support, and inspire students through real-world learning experiences.

Thank you for the impact you make each day!

Share your skills and knowledge with students to help them find their career passion - become a CTE teacher!

05/05/2026

Thank you to our State Board of Education for taking time to learn more about the specialized programs that engage and educate students at both Cape May County Technical School District and Cape May County Special Services School District.

We especially appreciate the time spent by President Kathy Goldenberg, Vice President Nedd Johnson, Board Member Claudine Keenan, and student representatives Max Beal and Chloe Dobbins. They toured spaces for hands-on career learning and discussed the value of career and technical education with Cape Tech students to further understand why 35,000 New Jersey students find significant value in attending a NJ county vocational-technical school.

04/29/2026

In the latest NJBIZ School Work column, Jackie Burke, executive director of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools, highlights summer camps that encourage middle schoolers to get an early start on exploring career pathways.

School leaders from Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) and Hunterdon County Polytech also share what makes their camps so appealing to this age group.

There's still time to register for summer camp opportunities across the state that introduce new skills and career possibilities through fun and engaging activities.

Learn more:

New Jersey middle schoolers can get a jumpstart on their futures this summer. Throughout the state, county vocational-technical schools offer engaging summer camps that encourage youth to begin exploring career options. Such camps offer age-appropriate and meaningful summer experiences for teens and...

04/28/2026

We are pleased Governor Mikie Sherrill is highlighting and supporting apprenticeship programs through her visit to the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory(PPPL) apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs are building our future workforce.

Watch how a previous apprentice pioneered a pathway into fusion energy at PPPL: https://youtu.be/QtZSACZTAHo?si=AMORrWykVn0ccgh6

04/22/2026

In honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting how our students are preparing for careers that make a real impact.

Career and Technical Education programs in environmental science and sustainability empower students with the knowledge and skills to preserve and protect our environment.

This Earth Day, we celebrate the next generation of changemakers who are learning today to lead tomorrow. 🌎

Learn all about a career path in sustainability at a NJ county vocational-technical school

04/20/2026

This National Internship Awareness Month, we highlight the value of internships, not only for interns, but also employers who connect with the next generation to build a pipeline of skilled, career-ready talent.

See how it works through internships, such as this one with Bergen County Technical Schools students at BB Props
https://youtu.be/di4fovrDFAk?si=q2mG0PQNJke78yi4

Interested in hosting a student intern? Learn how to become a business partner:
https://careertechnj.org/become-an-employer-partner/

One option for hands-on learning in Bergen County, NJ

04/15/2026

April is National Internship Awareness Month, and we’re highlighting the impact of work-based learning incorporated into county vocational-technical schools’ curricula.

Internships are one form of work-based learning that provide students with structured opportunities to apply and develop technical skills in the real world while also gaining important professional skills and habits.

See Morris County Vocational School District's healthcare science students in action during their clinical internships at Saint Clare's Health:

One option for hands-on learning in Morris County, NJ

04/13/2026

The Jersey Shore is their classroom.
Students at OCVTS Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) put their learning into practice right in their beautiful backyards.
The New Jersey Education Association April Review details this highly engaging career and technical education (CTE) programming:

By Kathryn Coulibaly On a beautiful but blustery day during the 2025 hurricane season, about 25 students huddled together for protection against the wind on an otherwise empty beach on

03/27/2026

We love this very personal notice of acceptance to Burlington County Institute of Technology and, of course, the reactions of the accepted students and their families.