PLAnning YOuR CAREER
WH

AT

A

RE
Career Clusters
& Programs of Study
?
In Texas, TAPs (Texas Achievement Plans) will guide students’ high school and
college experiences (see next page). As part of this process, students focus their
studies within a chosen career cluster and program of study.
A
career cluster is a group of occupations and broad It will allow you to follow a seamless course of study from
industries that share certain features. The Architecture high school into college or other postsecondary education or
& Construction cluster, for example, includes architects, training. The electives you choose can complement your core
carpenters, and electricians. Texas has adopted 16 career academic classes to prepare you for the challenges of the real
clusters (see back cover), the same ones designated and world of work.
developed by the U.S. Department of Education. As the
graphic below shows, within each cluster are programs Review Your TAP Each Year
of study, which are more specific groupings of similar Don’t get locked into a cluster and program of study you don’t
occupations. Think of a program of study as being like a like. You should reexamine your TAP at least once a year and
college major. In Architecture & Construction, you might change clusters or programs if your interests have changed.
choose to focus on Design/Pre-Construction in high school Choosing a cluster and program of study, even if it changes
and college. later, means that you’ll have a direction in life. The idea is to
be aware of what’s going on in your life and take control of
Related Occupations your future. When you know where your education is going
Each program of study includes a range of related and why, your classes will become more meaningful. You’ll
occupations; interior designer is an example of an occupation make contact with students, teachers, and employers who
that falls within Design/Pre-Construction. Choosing a share your interest in a particular career area. You’ll have
career cluster and program of study will help you acquire the experiences that are fun and exciting. You’ll be on your way
knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter your chosen career. to success in school, in a career, and in life.
P R O G R A M S O F S T U D Y E X A M P L E O C C U P A T I O N S
Design & Pre-Construction Architect
C L U S T E R
Architecture &
Construction Construction Manager
Construction
Maintenance / Operations Building Inspector
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