Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Agricultural Education Teacher

Allied Health Teacher

Business Education Teacher

Cosmetology Teacher

Drafting Instructor

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher)

Instructor

Teacher

Technology Education Teacher

Vocational Teacher

What is a Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School?

Career/Technical Education (CTE) Teachers at the secondary school level are educators who specialize in teaching students practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for specific careers and vocational fields. These teachers typically work in high schools and focus on subjects related to various industries such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, culinary arts, and automotive technology. The aim of CTE is to equip students with hands-on experience, industry-standard practices, and relevant certifications that facilitate their transition from school to the workforce or further education. CTE teachers often collaborate with local businesses and industry professionals to ensure that the curriculum aligns with current job demands and technological advancements. This career path enables educators to inspire students to pursue a variety of career options, emphasizing the importance of practical skills and lifelong learning in an evolving job market.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$49420.0 - $100380.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

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Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

Technology Skills

Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word 365
Computer based training software
Electronic mail software
- Gmail
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Multi-media educational software
- Edpuzzle
- Kahoot!
Information retrieval or search software
- DOC Cop
- Turnitin

Tools Used

Power saws
Microphones
- Handheld microphones
- Wireless microphones
Levels
- Electronic levels
- Laser levels
Domestic hair dryers
- Blowdryers
- Stationary hairdryers
Welding masks
- Welding goggles
- Welding helmets

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Avg Salary: R26,634pm

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Industry Analysis: The Technological Evolution of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in South Africa

An in-depth look at how digital disruption is redefining the role of secondary school technical educators within the local landscape.

Key Market Indicators

Average Monthly Salary

R26,634

Active Job Openings

Target Sector

Secondary Education

*Note: Current market data reflects a high level of role stability or internal placement within the Department of Basic Education, despite a growing demand for modernised technical skills.

Trends and Patterns: From Workshops to Tech Labs

The traditional image of a technical teacher—surrounded by manual lathes and sawdust—is rapidly fading. In South Africa, the Department of Basic Education’s "Three-Stream Model" is driving a shift toward vocational training that demands a high degree of digital fluency. We are witnessing a transition where the workshop is becoming a hybrid space of physical craft and digital precision.

The Integration of New Tools

Teachers are now expected to master and instruct on tools that were once reserved for high-end industrial engineering. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software have become standard. In Civil Technology and Mechanical Technology, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) allows educators to help students realise complex prototypes in hours rather than weeks. Furthermore, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations are being used to train students in dangerous environments, such as high-voltage electrical work or underwater welding, without the physical risks or material costs.

The AI Impact on Pedagogy

Artificial Intelligence is not merely a subject to be taught; it is a tool for the educator. AI-driven platforms are now helping teachers organise personalised learning paths for students who may struggle with the mathematical components of technical theory. Predictive analytics allow educators to identify students at risk of falling behind in practical assessments, enabling earlier intervention. Additionally, AI-powered grading for technical drawings is beginning to assist teachers in providing instant, objective feedback on student accuracy.

Market Insights: Navigating the South African Context

While the average salary of R26,634pm provides a stable middle-class baseline, the lack of active external job openings suggests a market dominated by long-term tenure and public sector appointments. However, a "hidden market" exists within private technical colleges and corporate-funded vocational centres that are desperate for educators who can bridge the gap between traditional trades and Industry 4.0.

The South African market is currently facing a "double-burden": the need to teach fundamental manual skills while simultaneously introducing high-tech automation. Educators who can navigate both—for example, teaching manual welding alongside robotic arm programming—are becoming the most valuable assets in the secondary school ecosystem.

Required Adaptations and Future Skills

To remain relevant, secondary school CTE teachers must realise that their role has shifted from "master craftsman" to "technology facilitator." This requires a significant shift in mindset and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Digital Literacy: Beyond basic computer use, teachers must understand the Internet of Things (IoT) and how sensors are used in modern technical equipment.
Data Interpretation: The ability to analyse performance data from digital simulations to improve student outcomes.
Cybersecurity Awareness: As technical equipment becomes networked, educators must teach students how to protect industrial systems from digital threats.
Soft Skill Integration: Emphasising critical thinking and troubleshooting over rote memorisation of manual procedures.

Actionable Recommendations

Upskill in Hybrid Technologies: Seek certification in CAD/CAM and basic robotics. Do not wait for provincial departments to provide the programme; take the initiative through online platforms.
Leverage Industry Partnerships: Organise site visits and guest lectures with local manufacturing firms to ensure the curriculum aligns with current industry standards.
Adopt Simulation Software: Use open-source or educational versions of simulation software to supplement physical workshop time, especially when resources are limited.
Focus on Maintenance 4.0: Shift instructional focus from just "how to build" to "how to maintain and repair" digitally controlled machinery.

Skills

Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

74 %
Post-secondary certificate

15 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Master's degree

11 %

Work Activities

Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Apply multiple teaching methods.
Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
Evaluate student work.
Develop instructional objectives.
Monitor student performance.

Work Interests

Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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