Career and Technical Education (CTE) is evolving rapidly—and with it, the tools that educators need to prepare students for the high-tech jobs of the future. Among the most impactful of these tools is 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. By integrating 3D printing into CTE programs, schools can provide students with real-world experience in design, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond.
From aerospace components to medical models and automotive parts, 3D printing is transforming how industries design and manufacture products. For students in CTE pathways, learning this cutting-edge technology builds skills in:
Students exposed to additive manufacturing early on are more competitive in the workforce and more likely to pursue engineering, design, or manufacturing careers. With demand for skilled talent growing across industries, it’s a perfect fit for today’s CTE goals.
Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing, known for producing high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-use 3D printers for both industrial and educational use. Their solutions support a range of applications—from prototyping to end-use part production—and come with robust support and educational resources.
For CTE programs, Stratasys offers a variety of printers and materials to meet diverse classroom needs.
Entry-level yet powerful, the F120 is perfect for schools. It offers industrial-grade results with minimal setup and maintenance. It prints in ABS, ASA, and QSR support materials and includes GrabCAD Print software for easy workflow.
Ideal for advanced programs, the J35 Pro brings multi-material and full-color prototyping into the classroom. It enables students to explore realistic prototypes and product design concepts in high fidelity.
A step up in power and flexibility, the F370 handles engineering-grade materials like PC-ABS and Nylon 12. It’s great for programs with a strong engineering or product development focus.
Pairing the right materials with your Stratasys printer ensures students get hands-on experience with industry-standard processes. Here are a few recommended materials:
The Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program equips students with the credentials and confidence to succeed in one of the fastest-growing tech industries—Additive Manufacturing (AM).
The Stratasys FDM Certification is backed by NOCTI, a nationally recognized leader in technical and career credentialing. This provides a rigorous, standardized, and credible validation of skills for secondary, post-secondary, and industry learners.
Becoming a Stratasys Certification Institution allows you to train and certify students, staff, or workforce members in core additive manufacturing principles using Stratasys' professional technologies. By offering this credential, you'll prepare your learners for careers in:
Required EDU FDM Certification Knowledge Transfer Workshop – This course transfers teaching materials, best practices, and content needed to guide students through certification. Participants will learn to integrate FDM 3D printing, software, design tools, post-processing, and real-world applications into instruction. Upon successful completion, certified instructors can offer the “Stratasys Certified” credential—recognized by employers and institutions nationwide.
Stratasys provides more than just printers. Their education-focused resources include lesson plans, curriculum integration guides, and certifications. This makes implementation easier and ensures instructors can align 3D printing with national CTE standards and career pathways.
Whether you’re looking to expand an engineering lab, create a new Makerspace, or prepare students for industry certifications, 3D printing should be part of your CTE roadmap. Stratasys printers are built to support learning—and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s talk about integrating 3D printing into your program today. Contact us to schedule a demo or request a quote!
