Albuquerque Public Schools
Career Connected Learning: Empowering APS Students for the Future
Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
Career and Technical Education has long been a key touchpoint for preparing students for the workforce, but Albuquerque Public Schools is embracing a broader, more inclusive vision—Career Connected Learning. This shift recognizes that career readiness isn’t separate from academic success, but an integral part of it.
Tori Shauger, APS director of Career Connected Learning/CTE, is helping to guide the district toward a more modern approach to career education. In APS, the number of students enrolled in a career connected program of study course is about 20k.
“We are shifting our reference of CTE programs to Career Connected programs of study, which is a more inclusive framework for these opportunities that students can access,” she said. “The district has begun to shift away from simply seeing these courses as one-off electives and instead viewing them as an intentional set of courses complementing core academics.”
This approach is making an impact. Nationally, high-quality career connected programs result in a 95 percent graduation rate, with students completing high school and engaging in post-secondary education at higher rates.
“Think about the implications of a 95 percent graduation rate: higher levels of engagement in learning, better attendance, better behavior and graduates with employability skills,” Shauger added.
Powerful Experiences at the Career Enrichment Center
Miskee Blatner, Education Professions Career Pathway and Workbased Learning Coordinator at the APS Career Enrichment Center, sees firsthand how career-focused programs open doors for students and provide hands-on experiences that prepare them for the future.
“CTE has always had work-based learning at its heart, but the focus has shifted,” Blatner explained. “We used to push students into vocational education as an alternative to college, but now we recognize that career pathways are valuable for all students. We’ve always prepared kids for college, but we weren’t doing enough for those who weren’t college-bound. Now, we’re giving students opportunities that are meaningful no matter what path they choose.”
Blatner strongly believes that exposing students to the teaching profession while they’re still in high school is crucial. Her education pathway students visit local schools to observe classrooms in action, working directly with younger students. At Reginald Chavez Elementary, Principal Lynda Torres has welcomed Blatner’s students with open arms, recognizing the future of the teaching workforce begins in high school classrooms.
“It was powerful,” Blatner said of a recent visit. “My kids absolutely loved it, and they’re gaining real experience that helps them decide if teaching is the right path for them.”
One of the more unexpected lessons Blatner’s students learn is stress management and self-advocacy, including how to talk to an employer when you're overwhelmed.
"Sometimes, students are late because their car broke down or they have family responsibilities,” she said. “Learning how to ask for help is one of the biggest skills I see students struggle with, but it's a crucial lesson."
Recognizing that no one school can be everything for all students, Blatner said collaboration is key to these types of programs. She hopes to start engaging other schools in APS to make them aware of the opportunities.
Inspiring Possibilities at Volcano Vista High School
At Volcano Vista High School, STEAM Lab and CTE Department Chair Robert Chancey also leads innovative programs that connect students with career paths. Whether it’s engineering, computer science or biomedical sciences, his programs emphasize real-world application.
“We’re giving students opportunities to engage in hands-on projects that mirror what professionals do in the field,” Chancey said. “The goal is to build their confidence, skills and excitement about what’s possible beyond high school.”
The STEAM Lab at Volcano Vista is an innovation hub where students gain hands-on experience in 3D printing, drones, laser engraving, T-shirt and banner printing and more. With each class, students act as assistants, learning to operate, maintain and even repair high-tech equipment.
Beyond the STEAM Lab, Chancey is passionate about growing CTE programs throughout the school.
"CTE is about more than just one program," he added. "Our culinary program is booming, our auto shop is now using augmented reality to teach engine mechanics, and our film program has its own studio. Each of our programs is starting to kind of take that momentum and that excitement and that motivation and convert it into students enjoying their lives, enjoying their education. Ultimately, the key is to get them excited about their education."
This integrated approach creates tangible benefits for students, from increased engagement in the classroom to better attendance and behavior. Chancey sees this as the future of education.
"Students don’t want to just sit in a classroom; they want to move, create and see real-world applications of what they’re learning," he said. "Our job is to give them the tools and opportunities to make that happen."
With a growing emphasis on Career Connected Learning, APS is creating opportunities for students to explore potential careers, build professional networks, and gain hands-on experience—all while reinforcing their academic education. Whether they choose to enter the workforce directly or pursue further education, students are leaving APS with the tools they need to succeed.
“This isn’t just about preparing students for jobs,” Chancey emphasized. “It’s about inspiring them to see the possibilities in their own futures.”