‘Signing Day’ Recognizes High School Seniors Starting Jobs, Not College

High school graduation is one of the most significant milestones for young people heading into adulthood. Not only is a diploma a hard-earned reward for years of study and work, but it is also a prerequisite for a majority of opportunities in the workforce.

Most students complete high school without looking back. They’re much too concerned with looking ahead and trying to decide what to make of their lives going forward. Possibilities seem endless, yet they can also feel limited at the same time. Attending college after high school has increased exponentially in the past few years. But what does the future hold for students that take another route?

Broadening Paths: Career and Technical Education (CTE)

For years, going to college right after high school was seen as the main way forward, but that’s changing. More and more students are realizing that college isn’t the only option. One of the most exciting alternatives is Career and Technical Education (CTE), which focuses on giving students hands-on skills they can use right away in the real world. From healthcare to construction and IT, these programs are designed to get students ready for jobs that are in high demand.

What makes CTE so appealing is its focus on practical skills. Instead of spending years in college, students can learn exactly what they need to jump into good-paying careers straight out of high school. With the rising costs of college and a growing need for skilled workers, CTE offers a smart path for those who want to get to work sooner.

This shift is helping people rethink what success looks like. It’s not just about getting a degree anymore—students can build strong, rewarding careers through programs that fit their goals. For many, CTE provides the perfect mix of training and opportunity to confidently step into the workforce.

Shining a Light on Career-Driven Graduates

Traditionally, high school seniors who commit to college have been celebrated with events like National Signing Day, which honors student-athletes as they sign letters of intent to play for college teams. But not every student is headed to college or athletics, and Henrico County in Virginia wanted to make sure those who choose a different path receive recognition too.

In 2018, Henrico Schools decided to expand the idea of Signing Day to include students in their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Instead of committing to a college, these students were committing to jobs in industries like construction, healthcare, and technology. It was a public event, complete with media coverage and family support, to recognize students who chose to enter the workforce right after high school.

This shift in recognizing career-focused students is part of a growing trend. Schools are beginning to see that success looks different for everyone, and it’s important to celebrate students no matter which path they choose. Whether it’s heading to college or starting a career right away, every student’s achievements deserve to be in the spotlight.

Henrico’s Career and Technical Signing Day: A Groundbreaking Initiative

In March 2018, Henrico County Schools started something new and special. They hosted their first-ever Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day, a day that celebrated students who were ready to jump straight into the workforce after graduation. Much like the National Signing Day for athletes, this event gave CTE students their own moment in the spotlight, where they publicly signed letters of intent with future employers.

It wasn’t just about signing a piece of paper—it was a full celebration. Families, school staff, and even local news crews were there to cheer on the students. Each student was also given company gear from their future job, adding an extra touch of excitement and pride to the day. It was a powerful way to show that choosing a career right after high school is something worth celebrating.

By creating this new tradition, Henrico Schools sent a clear message: whether students are going to college or starting a career, both paths deserve recognition and support.

Changing Perceptions of Success

Henrico County’s Career and Technical Signing Day didn’t just celebrate students—it also helped change the way people think about success after high school. For years, the traditional idea of success revolved around getting into college, but that’s no longer the only path. This event showed that starting a career right after graduation is just as worthy of recognition.

The impact of Henrico’s initiative has been felt beyond just one school district. Other schools are starting to follow their lead by creating similar events that honor students who are ready to begin their careers. For example, Construction Careers Academy in San Antonio held a signing ceremony to recognize students who secured jobs after their spring career fair. These kinds of events help to highlight the importance of career-focused education and the value of students choosing non-traditional paths.

By celebrating students who take the career route, schools are sending a clear message: success comes in many forms, and every student’s achievements should be recognized, whether they’re heading to college or starting a job.

A Future of More Choices

High school graduation marks the beginning of many different journeys, and it’s clear that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Whether students are heading off to college or jumping into the workforce through programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE), each path is full of potential. Henrico’s Career and Technical Signing Day is a great example of how schools can recognize and celebrate students for choosing a career-focused path, showing that all achievements deserve the spotlight.

As more schools embrace events like these, the hope is that every student, no matter their future plans, feels valued and supported. The world is changing, and the ways we define success are changing with it. By celebrating students who take different routes after high school, we’re opening up more opportunities for them to thrive, no matter which direction they choose.