February 2026 has been proclaimed Career and Technical Education Month in Macon-Bibb County, recognizing the impact Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs have on students and the local workforce.

On Monday, February 2, Mayor Lester Miller presented the proclamation to a room full of CTAE students, highlighting the role these programs play in preparing students for life after graduation.

CTAE programs give students hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build academic knowledge, technical skills, and employability skills. By allowing students to explore career pathways earlier in their education, these programs help them make informed decisions about their future, whether that path leads to the workforce, technical training, or higher education.

Career and Technical Education also helps address workforce needs in critical and growing industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, energy, and information technology by supporting industry-recognized credentials and job-ready skills.

This year’s recognition is especially meaningful as 2026 marks the 110th anniversary of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917, which laid the foundation for Career and Technical Education programs across the country.