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Career Clusters

The Framework

Career clusters are broad occupational groupings that serve as an organizing tool, categorizing common knowledge and skill sets for secondary and postsecondary education. Career clusters use 16 broad groups of occupations and 79 pathways (sub-groups).

Transition to a New Framework

Career Cluster Framework 2025

DPI is thoughtfully transitioning to the updated National Career Cluster Framework (14 clusters), and we want to reassure districts that this change will be gradual, well-supported, and minimally disruptive. This work is important, and DPI is committed to a transition that is deliberate, transparent, and responsive to local needs. DPI is participating in Advance CTE state leadership meetings and collaborating with other states to use best practices for transitioning to the new cluster framework.

DPI Transition Tasks LEA Transition Tasks

Listed below are action steps that DPI is currently working through:

  • Updating language in the 25-26 SY Perkins V State Plan.
  • Collaborating with the Wisconsin Technical College System and the Department of Workforce Development to update materials in a similar timeline.
  • Creating a data mitigation plan in place to reduce burden on LEAs and maintain consistent data.
  • Developing simple directions to assist LEAs with updating to the new cluster framework in 26-27 SY.

Continue to use the current 16 clusters for all DPI applications in the 25-26 SY (reporting to WISE and Perkins V grant applications). Listed below are what LEAs can expect in the 26-27 SY:

  • Watch for updates to student information systems software during the 26-27 SY.
  • Begin reporting CTE Concentrators with the new cluster titles in June 2027.

*No extra coding requirements will be necessary regarding the data mitigation plan.

DPI will introduce the updated cluster framework timeline at the Career Readiness Quarterly Convening on September 9, 2025, 8:30-9:30am. This is a virtual meeting and will be recorded.

For questions about this information, contact Karin Smith (608) 267-3161