Trade and Industry (T&I) Education

T&I prepares individuals for employment in a wide range of industrial occupations, including preparation for apprentice trades, technical occupations, and other industrial and service occupations. T&I includes Construction Careers, Manufacturing Careers, Transportation Careers, and Communications Technology Careers.

Jump to: Minnesota T&I Industry | Minnesota T&I Education
T&I Teacher Organizations | T&I Teacher Preparation and Mentoring | T&I Additional Resources

About the field of Trade & Industry

Background

Trade and Industry (T&I) Education prepares individuals for employment in a wide range of industrial occupations, including preparation for apprentice trades, technical occupations, and other industrial and service occupations. T&I careers include skilled trades and service occupations that involve designing, producing, processing, assembling, maintaining, servicing, or repairing any product or commodity.

T&I is one of the three original Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas, created in 1917 by the Smith-Hughes legislation. T&I has evolved in the more than 100 years since its inception from welding and wood working to include good paying, highly skilled, and sought after careers in manufacturing, engineering, transportation, construction, and communications technologies. The student organization for T&I, SkillsUSA, was formed in 1965 originally as Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, or VICA. As of 2024, more than 224 schools offer T&I programs in Minnesota, including 300 teachers and 40,000 students grades 7-12.

T&I comprises the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology career field and parts of the Arts, Communications, and Information Technology field on Minnesota’s Career Wheel. T&I includes four CTE licenses:

Note: These CTE licenses are eligible for Minnesota Department of Education program approval, which affords access to CTE Revenue funding, federal Perkins grants, and more. This is in contrast to the Technology (100100) license, which may have some similar skills and standards as these four licenses, but is not a CTE license and is ineligible for these funding options.

Trades Industry in Minnesota

Minnesota’s manufacturing, construction, transportation, and communications technology sectors are the backbone of the state’s economy. Our history of innovation—along with our highly skilled workforce—makes the state a hotbed of industry and manufacturing. Minnesota’s diverse, technology-driven advanced trades and industry sectors are strong in high-tech manufacturing, computers and electronics, medical devices, vehicles, and more.

  • 2nd in Medical Device Manufacturing (Lightcast, 2023)
  • 3rd in Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (Lightcast, 2023)
  • 3rd in Computer Storage Device Manufacturing (Lightcast, 2023)
  • 4th in Technology and Innovation (CNBC, 2023)
  • 6th in Overall Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (Lightcast, 2023)
  • 6th in Semiconductors (Business Facilities, 2023)
  • 7th in Technology and Science Workforce (Milken Institute, 2022)
  • 8th Most Innovative State (Yahoo! Finance, 2023)

Minnesota T&I Companies

  • 3M
  • ACS Group (Civil Engineering)
  • C.H. Robinson (Logistics)
  • Ecolab
  • Fastenal
  • H.B. Fuller (Manufacturing)
  • Polaris
  • Red Wing Shoe
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Toro

Top in-demand and high-wage careers in trade and industry



  • Half of all heavy truck driver jobs pay between $49,262 and $66,296 per year, with 4.1% projected growth in job demand during the next ten years.
  • Half of all construction jobs pay between $42,329 and $67,704 per year, with 7.1% projected growth in job demand during the next ten years.
  • Half of all electrician jobs pay between $59,986 and $95,755 per year, with 8.1% projected growth in job demand during the next ten years.
  • Half of all electrical engineering jobs pay between $80,956 and $129,088 per year, with 3.9% projected growth in job demand during the next ten years.

Construction Worker

Electrician

Welder

Heavy Truck Driver

Automotive Mechanic

Engineer

Three Components of Trade and Industry (T&I) Education

T&I Courses and Labs

Academic, Rigorous Instruction

Trade & Industry (T&I) prepares students for high wage, high skill, and in demand jobs and careers in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and communications technology. T&I integrates science and math, and even art, ideally while meeting high school graduation requirements and earning college credit and industry certifications. T&I is contextual, combining classroom and laboratory instruction, often making heavy use of project-based learning.

Essential elements include: career awareness, exploration, and preparation; programs of study based on industry; and a balance of classroom and laboratory instruction, which uses technology.

T&I Work-Based Learning

Technical, Relevant Experience

Students learn best by doing. A work-based learning (WBL) project is an extension of the classroom, where students develop specific technical and career knowledge that prepares them for their future. Within T&I, students begin exploring careers of interest, followed by relevant experiences with business and industry, most often through internships or simulated School-Based Enterprises at the school such as a fabrication school operation.

Essential elements include: work-based learning opportunities guided by training agreements and training plans; safety instruction and policies.

Minnesota SkillsUSA

Affective, Relationships/Leadership

SkillsUSA is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for Trade and Industry programs and available to students enrolled in a CTE program of study or career cluster. Minnesota SkillsUSA empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. State membership as of 2022 was more than 750 students in 31 secondary SkillsUSA chapters.

Essential elements include: leadership development opportunities through student organizations or other means.

Courses in Trade & Industry

– Introduction to Trade and Industry
– Career Investigation
– Emerging Technologies
– Technology Innovation and Assessment
– Product Development
– Production Systems
– Drafting
– CAD
– Carpentry
– Building Repair and Maintenance
– Small Engines
– Introduction to Automobiles

– Engineering Essentials
– Introduction to Engineering Design
– Principles of Engineering
– Digital Electronics
– Computer Integrated Manufacturing
– Engineering Design and Development
– Environmental Sustainability
– Civil Engineering and Architecture

– Residential Construction
– Framing Carpentry and Exteriors
– Residential Masonry
– Residential Wiring
– Residential Plumbing
– Residential HVAC
– Commercial Construction
– Welding
– Commercial Masonry
– Commercial Wiring
– Commercial Plumbing
– Civil/Structural Drafting
– Woodworking
– Cabinetry
– Product Development
– Wood Processing/Production
– Simulated School Business

– Welding
– Machining
– Metals Fabrication
– Metal and Wood Processing/Production
– Materials Processing
– Non-Metals Fabrication
– Electro-Mechanical Systems
– Mechatronics
– Robotics
– Engineering Applications
– Power and Energy
– Super Mileage
– Heating, Vent, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration
– Simulated School Business
– Manufacturing Work-Based Learning

– Auto Service, Mechanics, and Repair
– Automatic and Manual Transmission
– Suspension and Steering Brakes
– Electrical/Electronic Systems
– Heating and Air Conditioning
– Engine Performance
– Bicycle, Marine, and Recreational Design and Repair
– Motorcycle Design and Repair
– Hybrid Engines and Super Mileage
– Power Mechanics
– Power, Energy and Transportation
– Auto Body Repair
– Automotive Detailing and Reconditioning
– Diesel Mechanics
– Heavy Equipment Mechanics
– Truck Driving
– Distribution Warehouse Operations
– Aviation
– Basic Pilot Training and Ground School
– Aerospace Technology and Engineering
– Transportation Work-Based Learning

– Photography and Commercial Photography
– Photographic Laboratory and Darkroom
– Photo Imaging
– Photography and Printing Technology
– Desktop Publishing
– Graphic Technology
– Commercial Graphic Design
– Web Graphics and Animation
– Interactive Design
– Interactive Game Design
– Digital Media Design and Production
– Digital Imaging, Moving Image-Animation, and Digital Sound Design
– Virtual Design
– Multi Media and Audio/Video Technology
– Radio Broadcast and Audio Production
– Broadcasting and Livestreaming Broadcasting Technology
– Electronics
– Analog Circuits and Digital Circuits
– Geo Info and Position Systems (GIS and GPS)
– Mechatronics
– Robotics
– Simulated School Business
– Communications Technology Work-Based Learning

T&I High School and Middle Programs

Ada-Borup West, Badger, Bagley, Bemidji, Blackduck, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Fertile-Beltrami, Fosston, Goodridge, Greenbush-Middle River, Grygla, Kelliher, Kittson Central, Lancaster, Laporte, Mahnomen, Marshall County Central, Nevis, Norman County East, Park Rapids, Red Lake County Central, Red Lake Falls, Roseau, South Koochiching, Stephen-Argyle Central, Thief River Falls, Tri-County Schools, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, Warroad, Waubun-Ogema-White Earth, and Win-E-Mac.

Aitkin, Barnum, Chisholm, Cloquet, Cromwell-Wright, Deer River, Duluth, Ely, Esko, Floodwood, Grand Rapids, Greenway, Hermantown, Hibbing, Hill City, International Falls, Lake Superior, McGregor, Mesabi East, Moose Lake, Mountain Iron-Buhl, Nashwauk-Keewatin, Proctor, Rock Ridge, St. Louis County, and Wrenshall.

Brainerd, Browerville, Cass Lake-Bena, Little Falls, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Menahga, Northland Community Schools, Pequot Lakes, Pierz, Pine River-Backus, Sebeka, Staples-Motley, Swanville, and Verndale.

Alexandria, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Frazee-Vergas, Hawley, Henning, Minnewaska, Moorhead, New York Mills, Osakis, Parkers Prairie, Pelican Rapids, Perham-Dent, Underwood, and Wheaton.

Albany, Annandale, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Big Lake, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes, Dassel-Cokato, Delano, East Central, Elk River, Hinckley-Finlayson, Melrose, Milaca, Monticello, Mora, North Branch, Ogilvie, Onamia, Paynesville, Pine City, Princeton, Sauk Centre, Sauk Rapids-Rice, St. Cloud, St. Michael-Albertville, Willow River, and Wright Technical Center.

Anoka-Hennepin, Belle Plaine, Bloomington, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage, Centennial, Columbia Heights, Eastern Carver County, Eden Prairie, Edina, Farmington, Forest Lake, Fridley, Hastings, Hopkins, Intermediate #287, Intermediate #917, Inver Grove Heights, Jordan, Lakeville, Mahtomedi, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Mounds View, New Prague, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, Northeast Metro #916, Osseo, Richfield, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, Roseville, Shakopee, South Washington County, Spring Lake Park, St. Anthony-New Brighton, St. Francis, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Stillwater, SW Metro Intermediate #288, Waconia, Watertown-Mayer, Wayzata, West St. Paul-Mendota Hts-Eagan, Westonka, and White Bear Lake.

Adrian, Benson, Dawson-Boyd, Hendricks, Heron Lake-Okabena, Hills-Beaver Creek, Hutchinson, Lac Qui Parle Valley, Lester Prairie, Litchfield, Luverne, Montevideo, New London-Spicer, Ortonville, Red Rock Central, Redwood Area, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Willmar, Windom, and Yellow Medicine East.

Cleveland, Comfrey, Fairmont Area, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW), Granada Huntley-East Chain, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Le Sueur-Henderson, Mankato, NRHEG, Sibley East, St. Clair, St. Peter, Tri-City United, and Waseca.

Albert Lea, Austin, Byron, Cannon Falls, Faribault, Goodhue, Houston, Kasson-Mantorville, Kenyon-Wanamingo, La Crescent-Hokah, Lake City, Lanesboro, Lewiston-Altura, Mabel-Canton, Northfield, Owatonna, Pine Island, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, Red Wing, Rochester, Rushford-Peterson, Southland, St. Charles, Stewartville, Triton, Wabasha-Kellogg, Winona, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa.

Directory of T&I Programs and Teachers | Directory of SkillsUSA Chapters | Open T&I Teaching Jobs

T&I and STEM State Leadership and Professional Organizations

Minnesota association for career and Technical Education (T&I)

Learn more about MnACTE
Minnesota technology and engineering educators ASSN. (STEM)

Learn more about MTEEA

T&I Curriculum

– T&I TIP Curriculum Drive
– T&I MDE State Safety Curriculum
– PLTW Curriculum
– Computer Science Curriculum
– T&I MDE State Standards (Frameworks)

T&I Resources

– T&I General Resources
– SkilsUSA Resources
– T&I Program Approval Webinars
– T&I MDE Program Approval Database
– T&I Job Posting Guidance

T&I Funding

– CTE Revenue
– CTE Perkins Funding
– CTE Cooperative Funding
– FCS MDE Program Approval Forms
– Other CTE Grants

State Staff in T&I Education

T&I Teacher Preparation and Mentoring

Lakes Country Cooperative

Licenses:

Bemidji State University

Licenses:

  • Construction Careers
  • Communications Technology Careers
  • Note: the status of these programs is unclear.

St. Cloud State University

Licenses:

  • Construction Careers
  • Manufacturing Careers
  • Transportation Careers
  • Communications Technology Careers
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Note: the status of these programs is unclear.

Winona State University

Licenses:

PELSB – Portfolio Process

Licenses:

CTE Teacher Induction
Program (TIP)

Introductory mentoring and induction for secondary teachers new to the profession who need support with foundations of CTE and basic pedagogy/instruction, most often Tier 1 and Tier 2 teachers. CTE TIP offers free curriculum, mentoring, professional development, and resources.

T&I Teacher Induction
Program (TIP)

Advanced mentoring and induction for those who have recently completed a teacher preparation program (Tier 3) or those who have completed CTE-TIP (Tier 2 or Tier 3) and need license-specific support to build a program, design and adopt curriculum, and enhance their teaching and pedagogy.

Free mentoring, curriculum, and support from a program with more than 20 years of success.

Learn More

Additional T&I Resources

Minnesota State hosts eight Centers of Excellence – each serving a major industry that faces serious workforce challenges. The centers collaborate with industry and educators to attract and prepare students for success in high-demand careers.

Strategically located throughout the state, the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence drive workforce innovation through education and industry collaboration – and provide thought leadership on workforce development in their respective industries.

The Minnesota Department of Education administers rule and funding unique to CTE, including federal Perkins (under sole source agency Minnesota State) and CTE revenue. The MDE state specialist for T&I is Tim Barrett.

The nine Service Cooperatives are regional governments and school districts under Minnesota State Statute 123A.21. The cooperatives work as a liaison to state agencies and districts and have strong partnerships with business and industry, postsecondary institutions, and other associations that provide opportunities for Minnesota districts, teachers, and students.

The Cooperatives partner to form the MN CTE Consortium to provide statewide services in CTE teacher licensure, induction/mentoring, and professional development under Minnesota State Statute 124D.4536.

Minnesota State colleges and Minnesota school districts were self-formed in 2008 to promote collaborative planning and implementation of Career and Technical Education programs through the Perkins federal grant. Each consortium has at least one Minnesota State college and one school district, including charter schools. 

T&I Frequently Asked Questions

Vocational Education (Vo-Ed) evolved into Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the 1990s and 2000s. The 2018 Perkins V Strengthening Career and Technical Education act definitively shifted Vocational Education to Career and Technical Education, dropping the word vocational from the act’s title. At a very superficial level, CTE and Vo-Ed look like they are the same thing, but philosophically they are fundamentally different. CTE provides students with experiences from career exploration and career development all the way to occupation-specific technical skills leading to careers that are high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand. CTE programs align secondary, postsecondary, business, and industry to create multiple opportunities in a career pathway. The philosophy of vocational education was to provide those very specific technical skills tracking towards a specific job right out of high school. References to vocational, Vo-Ed, or Voc-Ed are antiquated and conjure up an image that is not reflective of the vast array of today’s highly technical and in-demand careers.

The technology (100100) license is not a CTE licenses and is ineligible for Minnesota Department of Education program approval, which affords access to CTE Revenue funding, federal Perkins grants, and more. The license does have some similar skills and standards as the four Trade and Industry careers licenses, but is missing key CTE philosophical and programatic elements. There is no license known as “technology education” in Minnesota. Industrial technology is an outdated and legacy term.