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What are the 16 career clusters?
The National Career Clusters Framework, which includes 16 career clusters, is an organizational tool that helps you find the role that suits your skills and interests. The 16 career clusters include 79 career pathways for you to choose from. Â
The 16 clusters are as follows:
1. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
The agriculture, food and natural resources cluster includes everything related to the creation of agricultural products. This includes farmers, ranchers, scientists, engineers and veterinarians. Â
Some career pathways in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources may require a bachelor’s degree in their specific field, while others train people through on-the-job experience.
The work environment is mostly outdoors, so most people who work in this field enjoy being outside.
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Veterinarian
Environmental officer
Hazardous material handler
2. Architecture and Construction
The Architecture and Construction cluster includes people who are involved in designing, building and maintaining homes, industrial facilities, streets or bridges. The roles vary from carpenter helper to safety engineers, so educational requirements vary.
Most skilled tradespeople, like carpenters and plumbers, usually complete training directly on the job.
The people who work in this field have strong skills in math and are passionate about design, home improvement and decor. The typical work environment can be an office or the homes and businesses of your customers. Â
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Architect
Plumber
Landscaper
3. Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications
The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications cluster may be the best career cluster for creative people. It includes journalists, actors, dancers, singers, radio announcers and behind-the-scenes workers.
Studying film and media arts or theater and drama could be beneficial if you’re interested in becoming an actor. Also, there are specialized certificate programs you could attend to become a sound engineer or a telecommunications technician.
The work environment can be a film, TV or recording studio or a theater. Most people who work in this cluster have an authentic passion for music, dance, cinema or fashion.
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Actor
Production assistant
Photographer
4. Business, Management and Administration
The Business, Management and Administration cluster includes business analysts, accountants, HR professionals and managers, and many entry-level positions, like receptionists, secretaries and typists.
Most of the roles in Business, Management and Administration require a bachelor’s degree, and some accounting positions may also require the Certified Public Accountant license. The typical work environment is an office, and many roles require working directly with customers.
People who are interested in this career cluster usually have strong communication skills and business acumen. Â
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Business development manager
Human resources manager
Marketing assistant
5. Education and Training
The Education and Training career cluster includes teacher, tutor and instructor roles. This area also employs counselors, school psychologists and speech-language pathologists who offer support and guidance to students.
Elementary and secondary school teachers need both a bachelor’s degree and a license, while college teachers need an advanced degree. The typical work environment is a school or college.
This career cluster may be of interest to people who have strong leadership skills or want to act as role models for younger people. If you aspire to work in this field, it will be beneficial to have a passion for the subject you’ll teach.
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Preschool teacher
Teacher aide
School counselor
6. Finance
The roles in the Finance cluster are auditor, financial analyst, treasurer, economist, bank worker, debt counselor or insurance professional. Many of the jobs in the Finance career cluster require a bachelor’s degree or specialized certifications. For example, getting a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor license may be helpful for certain roles.
The typical work environment is an office, an accounting studio or a tax collecting agency. The workers in this field usually have strong math skills and the ability to explain difficult concepts to customers who don’t work in the field. Â
Jobs to pursue in this cluster:
Bank teller
Accountant
Financial advisor
