## Engineering and Technology
The Engineering and Technology Career Cluster focuses on the development and application of scientific and technological knowledge and skills to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
## Career Pathways
The Engineering and Technology Career Cluster includes the following career pathways:
**Architecture and Construction**
**Communications Technology**
**Manufacturing**
**Transportation**
## Occupations
The Engineering and Technology Career Cluster includes a wide range of occupations, including:
**Architects**
**Civil Engineers**
**Computer Engineers**
**Electrical Engineers**
**Industrial Engineers**
**Mechanical Engineers**
**Software Engineers**
**Web Developers**
## Skills and Knowledge
Workers in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster need a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering principles. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team, and to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
## Education and Training
Most occupations in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some occupations may require additional education, such as a master’s degree or doctorate.
## Career Outlook
The Engineering and Technology Career Cluster is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for engineers and technologists to design, build, and maintain the infrastructure and products that we rely on every day.
## Resources
The following resources can provide more information about the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster:
* [National Institute for Metalworking Skills](https://www.nims.org/)
* [National Science Teachers Association](https://www.nsta.org/)
* [Technology Student Association](https://www.tsaweb.org/)
## Sample Lesson Plan
The following lesson plan can be used to teach students about the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster:
**Grade Level:** 9-12
**Subject:** Career Exploration
**Time:** 90 minutes
**Objectives:**
* Students will be able to identify the different career pathways in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster.
* Students will be able to describe the skills and knowledge required for success in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster.
* Students will be able to explore different education and training options for careers in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster.
**Materials:**
* Computer with Internet access
* Whiteboard or chart paper
* Markers
**Procedure:**
1. Begin by asking students what they know about engineering and technology. Write their responses on the whiteboard or chart paper.
2. Next, introduce the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. Explain that this career cluster focuses on the development and application of scientific and technological knowledge and skills to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
3. Discuss the different career pathways in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. Show students pictures or videos of people working in these different fields.
4. Next, discuss the skills and knowledge required for success in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. Emphasize the importance of math, science, and engineering principles. Also discuss the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
5. Finally, explore different education and training options for careers in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. Show students websites of different colleges and universities that offer engineering and technology programs.
6. Conclude by asking students what they learned about the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas about possible career paths in this field.
## Assessment
Students will be assessed on their participation in the discussion, their ability to identify the different career pathways in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster, and their ability to describe the skills and knowledge required for success in this career cluster.
## Extensions
The following activities can be used to extend the lesson:
* Have students research a specific occupation in the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster. They can write a report or give a presentation on their findings.
* Invite a guest speaker from the Engineering and Technology Career Cluster to talk to students about their career.
* Have students design and build a simple machine or structure. This activity can help them to understand the engineering design process.
