For this activity, you will be researching CTSOs that are available for each cluster. First, create a blank word processing document and save it as “Cluster CTSO.” Then, list all of the clusters:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Energy
Health Science
Architecture & Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics
Education & Training
Engineering & Technology Education
Information Technology
Business, Management & Administration
Finance
Marketing, Sales & Service
Government & Public Administration
Human Services
Law, Public Safety & Security
Arts, A/V Technology & Communication
Hospitality & Tourism
To complete the activity, follow along with the steps below, saving your document frequently.
Pick one career from each cluster by researching My Next Move.
You can either search for a career that you remember learning about in that unit [Math Processing Error]
or you can use the “Browse Careers by Industry” tab to find a career to research. Repeat for each cluster.
Once you have found one career for each cluster, type the name of the career under the cluster in your word processing document. Then research what kind of CTSO opportunities are available for each career.
Finding Career Training Opportunities
(Note: The above website lists eight different organizations. Use the drop-down menu ‘CTSOs’ to learn more information about each and find one to fit the career you are researching. When you find one for that career, click on that CTSO’s website to research opportunities in your state.)
If you can’t find a CTSO that works for the career you are researching, use the Professional Association Finder to find an industry-specific organization. These might also offer scholarships or intern programs.
When you have located an appropriate CTSO, jot down the following information for each cluster/career in your word processing document:
Which CTSO is available for the career.
What purpose the CTSO serves for that career.
What opportunities in each career type [Math Processing Error]
are available in your state.
What leadership opportunity the CTSO offers.
Cluster CTSO:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources: Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Career: Agricultural Engineer
Purpose: FFA prepares students for careers in agriculture by providing opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore career paths, and compete in agricultural competitions.
Opportunities in agricultural engineering: designing and building agricultural equipment and structures, improving crop yield and efficiency, and managing environmental resources
State opportunities: FFA chapters and events are available in all 50 states and offer networking opportunities and career development programs.
Leadership opportunity: FFA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Energy: SkillsUSA
Career: Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Purpose: SkillsUSA empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens by providing educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education.
Opportunities in solar photovoltaic installation: install and maintain solar panels, assess the energy needs of buildings, and troubleshoot and repair solar systems
State opportunities: SkillsUSA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for career exploration and development.
Leadership opportunity: SkillsUSA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Health Science: Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
Career: Physician Assistant
Purpose: HOSA provides opportunities for students to develop their health science knowledge and skillset, as well as leadership and teamwork abilities, through competitions, conferences, and community service.
Opportunities in physician assistant: perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, assist in surgeries, and prescribe medication under the supervision of a licensed physician
State opportunities: HOSA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for networking, skill-building, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: HOSA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Architecture & Construction: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapters
Career: Construction Manager
Purpose: NAHB Student Chapters foster growth in the construction industry by providing resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities for students interested in the field.
Opportunities in construction management: plan and coordinate construction projects, oversee budgets and schedules, hire and supervise workers, and ensure safety regulations are met
State opportunities: NAHB Student Chapters are available in select states and offer opportunities for skill-building and networking.
Leadership opportunity: NAHB Student Chapter members can hold leadership positions at the local and national levels.
Manufacturing: SkillsUSA
Career: CNC Machinist
Purpose: SkillsUSA empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens by providing educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education.
Opportunities in CNC machining: set up and operate computer-controlled machines to produce precision parts and tools, read and interpret blueprints, and troubleshoot programs
State opportunities: SkillsUSA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for career exploration and development.
Leadership opportunity: SkillsUSA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Transportation & Logistics: Technology Student Association (TSA)
Career: Logistics Analyst
Purpose: TSA provides opportunities for students interested in technology to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as engineering, communication, and leadership through competitions, leadership opportunities, and community service.
Opportunities in logistics analysis: analyze supply chain operations, create processes to improve efficiency and productivity, and manage logistics systems
State opportunities: TSA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: TSA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Education & Training: Future Educators Association (FEA)
Career: High School Teacher
Purpose: FEA provides opportunities for students interested in teaching to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment through leadership, community service, and professional development activities.
Opportunities in high school teaching: plan and deliver lessons, grade assignments and tests, manage classroom behavior, and provide extracurricular support and guidance
State opportunities: FEA chapters and events are available in select states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: FEA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Engineering & Technology Education: Technology Student Association (TSA)
Career: Aerospace Engineer
Purpose: TSA provides opportunities for students interested in technology to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as engineering, communication, and leadership through competitions, leadership opportunities, and community service.
Opportunities in aerospace engineering: design and develop spacecraft, airplanes, satellites, and missiles, conduct research on new materials and propulsion systems, and troubleshoot design and production issues
State opportunities: TSA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: TSA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Information Technology: Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL)
Career: Cybersecurity Analyst
Purpose: FBLA-PBL helps students prepare for careers in business and technology through leadership, career development, and academic competitions and conferences.
Opportunities in cybersecurity analysis: monitor computer systems for security breaches, investigate security incidents and recommend solutions, develop and implement security policies and procedures, and stay up-to-date on emerging threats and technologies
State opportunities: FBLA-PBL chapters and events are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: FBLA-PBL members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Business, Management & Administration: Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL)
Career: Marketing Manager
Purpose: FBLA-PBL helps students prepare for careers in business and technology through leadership, career development, and academic competitions and conferences.
Opportunities in marketing management: develop and implement marketing plans and strategies, manage budgets and timelines, conduct market research, and supervise marketing staff
State opportunities: FBLA-PBL chapters and events are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: FBLA-PBL members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Finance: Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL)
Career: Financial Analyst
Purpose: FBLA-PBL helps students prepare for careers in business and technology through leadership, career development, and academic competitions and conferences.
Opportunities in financial analysis: analyze financial data to make recommendations for investment decisions, forecast financial performance, and prepare financial reports and statements
State opportunities: FBLA-PBL chapters and events are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: FBLA-PBL members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Marketing, Sales & Service: Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
Career: Sales Representative
Purpose: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Opportunities in sales: identify prospective customers, sell products and services to customers, manage customer relationships, and coordinate with marketing and sales teams to increase revenue
State opportunities: DECA chapters and competitions are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: DECA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Government & Public Administration: National Honor Society (NHS)
Career: City Manager
Purpose: NHS recognizes and promotes academic achievement and leadership in high school students while emphasizing the importance of community service and citizenship.
Opportunities in city management: oversee city operations and budgets, coordinate and manage city programs and departments, manage government services, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations
State opportunities: NHS chapters are available in select states and offer opportunities for skill-building and community service.
Leadership opportunity: NHS members can hold leadership positions at the local and national levels.
Human Services: Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Career: Social Worker
Purpose: FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership by providing opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in family and consumer science education.
Opportunities in social work: assess client needs and create care plans, provide counseling and therapeutic services, advocate for client rights, and work with other health and social service professionals
State opportunities: FCCLA chapters and events are available in all 50 states and offer opportunities for skill-building, leadership, and community service.
Leadership opportunity: FCCLA members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Law, Public Safety & Security: National Future Law Enforcement Exploring Program
Career: Police Officer
Purpose: The Future Law Enforcement Exploring Program provides educational, training, and service opportunities for young adults interested in law enforcement careers, while fostering the development of leadership, character, and life skills.
Opportunities in police work: enforce laws and maintain order, protect life and property, investigate crimes and accidents, and provide community services and outreach
State opportunities: The Future Law Enforcement Exploring Program is offered in select states and provides opportunities for skill-building, leadership, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: Program members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Arts, A/V Technology & Communication: Student Television Network (STN)
Career: Film Director
Purpose: STN provides opportunities for students interested in broadcasting and film production to develop their skills and knowledge in areas such as scriptwriting, editing, camera work, and directing through competitions, workshops, and conventions.
Opportunities in film directing: collaborate with writers, producers, actors, and crew to interpret and develop scripts, oversee production design, direct actors and crew, and edit and finalize the film
State opportunities: STN chapters and events are available in select states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career exploration.
Leadership opportunity: STN members can hold leadership positions at the local and national levels.
Hospitality & Tourism: National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
Career: Event Planner
Purpose: NRAEF provides resources, education, and training for individuals interested in careers in the hospitality industry, including restaurant management, culinary arts, and hotel and event management.
Opportunities in event planning: plan and execute events such as weddings, meetings, and conventions, coordinate logistics and vendors, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure client satisfaction
State opportunities: NRAEF events and certification programs are available in select states and offer opportunities for skill-building, networking, and career development.
Leadership opportunity: NRAEF members can hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.