In today's turbulent economy, how can adult workers best position themselves to secure jobs in high-demand fields where they are more likely to remain competitive and earn more? Further, how can employers up-skill current employees so that they meet increasingly complex job demands? Research indicates that Career Technical Education (CTE) aligned to Career Clusters is a gateway to training and qualifying individuals for high-demand jobs. Despite high unemployment rates, employers are struggling to fill job vacancies with qualified workers because of the "skills gap". CTE provides opportunities for adults to stay competitive in the workforce by affording students access to certificate programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary education. Through the projections highlighted in this brief, adult learners can plan strategically to strengthen their skills in a way that will increase their marketability as the economy continues to change. (Contains 11 endnotes.)