TREES is one of 56 Education for Employment (EFE) Systems established by the Illinois State Board of Education to administer and coordinate secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE).

The major responsibility of an EFE System is to provide both staff and curriculum development for member schools. The TREES Joint Agreement includes 23 high schools, 2 Area Career Centers and Joliet Junior College.

TREES is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education Division of Certificate Renewal as a provider of professional development to assist teachers in obtaining continuing education credit to apply towards their certificate of renewal.