Career Clusters
What Are Career Clusters?
Career Clusters are broad groups of related careers that help students explore interests, plan education pathways, and prepare for success in college and the workforce. Each cluster includes multiple career pathways that connect what students learn in school to real-world skills and careers.
Agriculture & Energy Career Clusters
Prepare students for rewarding careers at the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, energy, and environmental stewardship. These two critical clusters empower learners to address pressing global needs—feeding a growing population, sustainably managing ecosystems, and advancing clean energy technologies.
Agriculture Sub-Clusters
The Agriculture Career Cluster centers on the science, production, processing, and distribution of food, fiber, and natural resources. It incorporates advanced technologies and sustainable practices to strengthen global food systems. This cluster also supports related industries such as regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, and aquaculture.
Energy & Natural Resources Sub-Clusters
The Energy & Natural Resources Career Cluster includes careers in traditional and renewable energy production, power generation, utilities, environmental conservation, ecological research, and resource extraction. Professionals in this field focus on managing resources efficiently, advancing clean energy technologies, and protecting ecosystems. This cluster supports global energy demands while working toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
-
Careers focused on energy generation and infrastructure development from clean energy sources such as low carbon fuels, natural gas, nuclear, biofuels, hydrogen processes, and other alternative sources aimed at addressing climate change impacts. Professionals in this field develop and implement technologies that harness natural elements including solar, nuclear, wind, and hydro power, while advancing efforts in electrification and energy storage solutions. This Sub-Cluster also includes recycling of batteries and waste, carbon capture, and other energy and mineral reuse and reclamation.
Example Programs of Study
Renewable Energy
Electric Vehicle Installation & Maintenance
Solar System Design & Installation
Wind Turbine Installation & Maintenance
-
Careers rooted in environmental and natural sciences, focusing on protecting and managing natural resources and landscapes. Professionals in this field operate local, state, and national parks; safeguard forests and waterways; maintain national lands and rangelands; and manage wildlife and marine life. This field merges ecological conservation with recreational spaces, aiming to preserve nature while enhancing community well-being and environmental stewardship through public accessibility.
Example Programs of Study
GIS Mapping
Natural Resource Conservation
Wildlife Management
-
Careers emphasizing the scientific study of and research in ecological, geological, electrical, chemical, nuclear, biological, environmental engineering, and other sciences as they relate to energy production, sustainability, and the management of natural resources. Professionals in this field employ scientific methods to understand ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of energy systems on the environment.
Example Programs of Study
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Management
Environmental Science & Sustainability
-
Careers centered on regulating and managing the impacts of both natural processes and human activities, such as resource production and consumption. This Sub-Cluster involves developing and enforcing policies to protect all ecosystems, including space, air, land, and water, from natural disasters, pollution, and degradation. This field focuses on conserving natural habitats and biodiversity and applying scientific and engineering principles to solve environmental problems and improve climate resilience.
Example Programs of Study
Climate Resilience
Sustainable Communities
-
Careers focused on the efficient extraction of natural materials including fossil fuels, minerals, natural gas, and geothermal resources that are essential for fuel production in energy and manufacturing. This Sub-Cluster includes careers in exploration, drilling, mining, fracking, mineral processing, geoscience, quarrying, and petroleum engineering.
Example Programs of Study
Clean Energy System Design
Energy Transfer
Mining Technology
-
Careers involving the transmission and maintenance of utility systems for clean and alternative energy, electricity, water, waste remediation, and telecom/broadband; distribution and infrastructure development; and storage. Professionals in this field ensure reliable connectivity to energy sources, energy efficiency, and other essential services. Opportunities exist in public utilities, as well as commercial and industrial companies, with a focus on operations, maintenance, and security of systems to guarantee uninterrupted access to vital resources.
Example Programs of Study
Telecommunications
Water & Wastewater Systems
Plant Operations
Underground or Overhead Linework
Utility Maintenance and Repair
-
Careers focused on the economic aspects of agriculture, encompassing farm and rangeland management, agribusiness finance, international relations, supply chain management, and other functions that are essential for agricultural profitability. Professionals in this field manage farms and ranches of various scales and oversee agricultural finances, which are crucial functions for profitable and sustainable agricultural enterprises.
Example Programs of Study
Agribusiness
Agricultural Policy
Agricultural Finance
-
Careers at the intersection of agriculture and technology, focusing on the design and operation of agricultural equipment and systems; repair and maintenance of agricultural equipment; and agricultural engineering, mechanics, and automation processes. This Sub-Cluster includes innovative farming methods such as precision, urban, and vertical farming to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture.
Example Programs of Study
Agricultural Technology
Precision Agriculture
Urban Farming
Agricultural Mechanics
-
Careers that both promote the health and well-being of animals, including companion, livestock, and exotic animals, and facilitate the efficient production of animal-related products within the food system. For livestock and poultry, professionals in this field aim to optimize the production of meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal products. Careers in this field also include veterinary and other services to manage the care, breeding, behavior, enrichment, and management of animals. This Sub-Cluster also incorporates genetics, nutrition, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals to improve animal welfare and production efficiency.
Example Programs of Study
Animal Nutrition
Livestock Management
Veterinary Science
-
Careers centered on applying scientific and technological principles to the development, enhancement, processing, and usability of agricultural food products. Professionals in this field work with fruit, vegetable, grain, and meat processing, ensuring that these products are nutritious and safe for consumption. This Sub-Cluster is crucial in maintaining quality control and nutritional value, enhancing product freshness, and meeting consumer and regulatory standards.
Example Programs of Study
Food Science
Meat Science
Sustainable Food & Farming
-
Careers involving the study and management of plant growth, soil health, and pest management, focusing on sustainable crop production for both food and goods. This Sub-Cluster includes careers in agronomy, horticulture, timber and plant fiber harvesting, and soil science that are aimed at enhancing crop yields, preserving soil resources, and developing advanced production practices.
Example Programs of Study
Horticulture
Forestry
Plant Science
Floriculture
-
Careers centered on the effective management and use of water resources in agricultural settings, including precision irrigation, aquaculture, and fisheries. Professionals in this field are dedicated to maximizing water efficiency and productivity in farming operations to enhance crop yield and support sustainable fish farming practices.
Example Programs of Study
Aquaculture
Marine Biology
Content Standards from CEWD
Energy Cluster Resources
Agriculture Cluster Resources
Energy & Natural Resources
Sub-Clusters
The Energy & Natural Resources Career Cluster includes careers in traditional and renewable energy production, power generation, utilities, environmental conservation, ecological research, and resource extraction. Professionals in this field focus on managing resources efficiently, advancing clean energy technologies, and protecting ecosystems. This cluster supports global energy demands while working toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
-
Careers focused on energy generation and infrastructure development from clean energy sources such as low carbon fuels, natural gas, nuclear, biofuels, hydrogen processes, and other alternative sources aimed at addressing climate change impacts. Professionals in this field develop and implement technologies that harness natural elements including solar, nuclear, wind, and hydro power, while advancing efforts in electrification and energy storage solutions. This Sub-Cluster also includes recycling of batteries and waste, carbon capture, and other energy and mineral reuse and reclamation.
Example Programs of Study
Renewable Energy
Electric Vehicle Installation & Maintenance
Solar System Design & Installation
Wind Turbine Installation & Maintenance
-
Careers rooted in environmental and natural sciences, focusing on protecting and managing natural resources and landscapes. Professionals in this field operate local, state, and national parks; safeguard forests and waterways; maintain national lands and rangelands; and manage wildlife and marine life. This field merges ecological conservation with recreational spaces, aiming to preserve nature while enhancing community well-being and environmental stewardship through public accessibility.
Example Programs of Study
GIS Mapping
Natural Resource Conservation
Wildlife Management
-
Careers emphasizing the scientific study of and research in ecological, geological, electrical, chemical, nuclear, biological, environmental engineering, and other sciences as they relate to energy production, sustainability, and the management of natural resources. Professionals in this field employ scientific methods to understand ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of energy systems on the environment.
Example Programs of Study
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Management
Environmental Science & Sustainability
-
Careers centered on regulating and managing the impacts of both natural processes and human activities, such as resource production and consumption. This Sub-Cluster involves developing and enforcing policies to protect all ecosystems, including space, air, land, and water, from natural disasters, pollution, and degradation. This field focuses on conserving natural habitats and biodiversity and applying scientific and engineering principles to solve environmental problems and improve climate resilience.
Example Programs of Study
Climate Resilience
Sustainable Communities
-
Careers focused on the efficient extraction of natural materials including fossil fuels, minerals, natural gas, and geothermal resources that are essential for fuel production in energy and manufacturing. This Sub-Cluster includes careers in exploration, drilling, mining, fracking, mineral processing, geoscience, quarrying, and petroleum engineering.
Example Programs of Study
Clean Energy System Design
Energy Transfer
Mining Technology
-
Careers involving the transmission and maintenance of utility systems for clean and alternative energy, electricity, water, waste remediation, and telecom/broadband; distribution and infrastructure development; and storage. Professionals in this field ensure reliable connectivity to energy sources, energy efficiency, and other essential services. Opportunities exist in public utilities, as well as commercial and industrial companies, with a focus on operations, maintenance, and security of systems to guarantee uninterrupted access to vital resources.
Example Programs of Study
Telecommunications
Water & Wastewater Systems
Plant Operations
Underground or Overhead Linework
Utility Maintenance and Repair
Energy Cluster Resources
Content Standards from CEWD
About Advance CTE
Advance CTE is the national organization behind the Career Clusters® Framework, which includes 16 clusters and 79 career pathways. They support states and schools in designing high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs that align with workforce needs and prepare students for lifelong success. Learn More about Advance CTE.