Career & Technical Education Month: Your Edvest 529 Account Can Power More Than College

published February 1, 2026

When you opened an Edvest 529 account, you were thoughtfully planning for your child's future and providing them with opportunities to succeed. While many families initially imagine these savings supporting a traditional four-year college or university, every child's journey is unique.

Some may discover their passion leads them directly into the workforce, a trade, or another path outside of a four-year degree—and that's something to celebrate. Plans can evolve as children find what inspires them most. That is why Edvest 529 is built with flexibility in mind, so your savings can support more than just a traditional college experience.

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, making it the perfect time to highlight how an Edvest 529 account can help fund a wide range of postsecondary options from healthcare programs and IT certifications to skilled trades, apprenticeships, and more.

Why Career & Technical Education Matters

Today's workforce landscape is changing fast. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 70% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary education or training by 2027.¹

That doesn't always mean a four-year degree. Many of today's fastest-growing and most in-demand careers rely on hands-on training, technical skills, and industry-recognized credentials.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to meet that need. Whether it's a two-year associate degree, a certificate program, or an apprenticeship, CTE can open doors to rewarding jobs and lifelong learning.

Multiple Paths to Success

For today's students, career success can take many forms. Many high-demand jobs like electricians, dental hygienists, IT specialists, and advanced manufacturing technicians often enter the workforce through certificate programs, associate degrees, or industry certifications.

Apprenticeships are another powerful option. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. To be considered qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan, apprenticeship programs must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act. Learn more about Registered Apprenticeship in Wisconsin through the Department of Workforce Development. These work-based learning opportunities can be part of a valuable career path.

Edvest 529 funds can also be used for recognized post credential programs like obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

No matter the route, many CTE pathways help students build real-world skills that prepare them for today's workforce.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Jessica from Waunakee, Wisconsin, opened an Edvest 529 account to help with whatever the future held for her children.

"When I started saving, I just wanted to have money available for my children's further education," she shared. "Edvest seemed like one of the best options."

In time, her son realized that a traditional college experience wasn't the right fit, but their savings still made a difference. Instead, he pursued an electrical apprenticeship using Edvest 529 funds to cover tuition, leading to a rewarding career without taking on student loan debt.

"Our Edvest 529 plan has come in extremely handy for my son who has gone on to his apprenticeship for electrical. We have been able to pay his tuition without worry of where the money is coming from."

Jessica, M.
Waunakee, WI

Key Takeaways

Edvest 529 plans aren't just for college, they can fund a variety of career-focused programs. This flexibility can mean your savings can help pay for:

• Registered apprenticeships certified under the National Apprenticeship Act
• Certificate programs in skilled trades
• Industry-recognized credentials like CDL, EMT, or PMP certification

These options prepare students for high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree. Plus, qualified withdrawals for tuition, books, and supplies are 100% tax-free.

Bottom line: Edvest 529 gives families the freedom to support any education path—college, trade school, or technical training—so students can pursue what inspires them most.

Ready to Power Their Future?

Edvest 529's flexibility allows families to save for the paths that fit their students best. Whether their dream is a skilled trade, a tech career, or a specialized certification, Edvest 529 is here to help make it happen.

Visit Edvest.com to explore how flexible savings can be. Because when it comes to education, all education paths are our priority.

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To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor for the Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.

Withdrawals for Recognized Postsecondary Credentialing Programs—including tuition, books, equipment, supplies for the enrollment or attendance, testing fees if required to obtain or maintain a Recognized Postsecondary Credential, fees for continuing education if required to maintain an RP Credential and therapies for students with disabilities—are exempt from federal and Wisconsin income tax. If you are not a Wisconsin taxpayer, these withdrawals may include recapture of tax deduction, state income tax as well as penalties. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

This testimonial was provided by an Edvest 529 account owner(s), and no direct or indirect compensation was given in return. No material conflicts of interest exist on the part of the account owner(s) giving the testimonial, resulting from their relationship with TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. Results experienced by the account owner(s) may not be representative of the experience of another/other account owner(s), and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.

1. ¹U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/projections2031/↩

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