Bay Area seniors turn to trade and career classes amid AI worries

In short: Some high school seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area are shifting toward career and technical education and trade pathways as they worry about how AI may change office jobs.

What's going on

High school seniors in the San Francisco Bay Area and other tech-heavy areas are increasingly looking at career and technical education, often called CTE. CTE is a school path that teaches job skills through hands-on classes, like learning by doing in a workshop instead of only reading a textbook.

A key reason is uncertainty about what kinds of jobs will be stable as AI tools spread. Some students are rethinking the usual plan of getting a four-year degree first, especially for careers they think computers might automate. At the same time, skilled trades like construction are getting more attention because they can pay well and often do not require a bachelor’s degree.

Schools are adjusting to this interest. More programs now mix regular classes with practical training, including dual enrollment, which lets students earn college credit while still in high school. Many schools are also expanding industry certifications, which are credentials recognized by employers, like a driver’s license for a specific skill.

Internships and other work-based learning are also growing. These give students real workplace experience and contacts, which can make it easier to land a first job.

What to watch

For the class of 2026, education and workforce groups increasingly see CTE as a talent pipeline for employers, not just a backup plan for students who skip college. Still, the idea that this shift is being driven broadly by “America’s tech capital” is best read as a regional observation, not a national statistic. Watch for whether more school districts add funding for these programs, and whether employers expand paid placements that lead directly to jobs.

Source: NYTimes