Career Technical Education & Career Pathways

What is CTE?
 
Career Technical Education is a program that integrates high school classes, community connections, work-based learning, and postsecondary planning and training. The goal of CTE is to support learners on their path to high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers in established and emerging industries. CTE is not your mom-and-pop woodshop course. CTE programs connect learners with the skills, mind-set, and knowledge base needed for college and high-demand careers. CTE is personalized. Learners choose their industry sector and the pathway that best aligns with their interests and passions, ensuring the experience is meaningful and relevant to each learner’s goals.
How Does CTE Work?
 
William S. Hart District offers 13 of the 15 high-demand industry sectors and multiple career pathways within each industry sector. Learners will sign up for a career pathway their freshman or sophomore year of high school and take at least two years of coursework within that pathway, in addition to relevant practicum, work-based learning, career student leadership organizations (CTSO), career and college exploration and preparation, and industry certifications. Learners who complete both the concentrator and capstone coursework receive an additional certificate of completion upon graduation. Many CTE courses also count toward the school’s graduation requirements and UC/CSU admissions requirements.
Is CTE just for high school?
 
Learners experience different industry sectors and career pathways through their projects in 7th and 8th grade. These feeder experiences, or exploratory workshops, allow learners to enter a career pathway in high school with prior experience and confidence in their interest in that pathway. 

What are Career Pathways?

A career pathway is a sequence of classes designed to combine academic learning with hands-on technical education. Career Pathway classes build skills and knowledge that allow students to:

  • Explore a career sector
  • Identify a major
  • Consider post-secondary planning
Career Pathways can culminate in:
  • Industry-recognized Certifications
  • College Credits through Concurrent & Dual Enrollment
  • Depth of knowledge and increased skills
A student can take Career Pathway classes during the day or after school during the Extended Day Program.
 
What are Career Pathways?