What term describes a group of occupations that share common characteristics?

The term that accurately describes a group of occupations that share common characteristics is "career cluster." Career clusters group together various occupations that have similar skills, interests, or areas of expertise. This framework helps individuals understand the paths available within a particular field or area of work, making it easier to explore potential career options. For instance, the health science career cluster includes various occupations, from doctors to nursing assistants, each requiring specific training and skills but all connected by a common theme of health and wellness.

In contrast, the job market refers to the overall availability of employment and labor conditions in a certain area, which does not inherently group similar occupations. Occupation category is a more general term that might describe how jobs are grouped but lacks the structured educational or training aspect that career clusters provide. Industry sector typically pertains to broader categories related to economic sectors (like technology, healthcare, etc.), which might encompass multiple career clusters rather than focusing on the shared characteristics of specific occupations. Thus, "career cluster" is the most accurate descriptor in this context.