At FlexTrades, we believe in supporting American manufacturing from every angle — not just by providing workforce solutions, but by advocating for the skilled trades and the technical education that fuels them.

That’s why we’re kicking off this year’s Monthly Manufacturing Calendar Highlight with a reminder: CTE Month® begins February 1st.

This is your chance to celebrate, support, and elevate the future of the skilled trades. Let’s talk about what CTE Month is and how you can get involved.

What Is CTE Month?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students of all ages prepare for high-wage, high-demand careers. And we’re not just talking about students in high school — adult learners, returning workers, and veterans are part of the movement, too.

CTE Month happens every February as a nationwide campaign to:

  • Raise awareness about CTE’s role in workforce development
  • Celebrate CTE programs and their achievements
  • Encourage partnerships between educators, employers, and policymakers

You may have even seen it featured during events like the Super Bowl — like this commercial from Oklahoma Career Tech.

How Can You Celebrate CTE Month?

Whether you’re an educator, employer, or just someone who believes in the power of skilled trades, there are plenty of ways to get involved:

  • Instructors / Educators: Host a tour or open house. Let the community see what CTE looks like up close.
  • Businesses / Employers: Partner with local schools or host a job fair. Share success stories about CTE graduates on your team.
  • Graduates / Technicians: Speak up. Share your story publicly. The Skills Gap grows wider when people don’t understand the value of your experience.
  • Everyone Else: Download a CTE Month Zoom background and use it during virtual meetings to show your support — no speech required.
  • No matter your role, there’s a way to advocate for CTE this month. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up and being visible.

What’s Next?

February is just the start. Manufacturing advocacy doesn’t stop with CTE Month. In fact, October and MFG Day will be here before you know it.

So get involved. Be loud. Share your story. Support the people and programs building the future of American manufacturing.

And if you know of an industry event worth highlighting, email our Writing Team — we’d love to feature it in the months ahead.