Book excerpt: This book provides the reader with an overview of the evolution of career and technical education in California over the 20th century and some insight as to its strengths and weaknesses as well as the challenges it faces in the new millennium. This book delves into why career and technical education/vocational education are so important and needed in California’s public schools. Among the things it looks at are “What is vocational education?” “What are the benefits of vocational education, and in particular, to the student?” and “Why does California need vocational education?” Section one of this book discusses the historical foundation of career and technical education in California starting from the beginning of 1900 to 2000. Section two contains research on the 21st century workforce and the community college’s CTE programs and role in the economy. This book provides a forum and voice for scholars in California. It allows us to learn and understand how career and technical education was viewed at the beginning of its foundation, its curriculum, and its impact on the California labor force today. It also looks at the labor market disadvantages we are facing due to lack of proper structures in the CTE programs across the State.