JSD Career Pathways

Perkins CTE - Career Pathways 

The Jackson School District offers multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways designed as three-course sequences aligned to New Jersey Carl D. Perkins career clusters. Pathways are designed to prepare students with the academic knowledge, technical skills, and professional experiences needed for success after high school.

Students progress through each pathway as:

• Participant – enrolled in the first course

• Concentrator – completed two courses in the sequence

• Completer – successfully completed all three courses

Each pathway provides students with progressively advanced coursework that builds technical skills, academic knowledge, and professional behaviors aligned to high-demand careers. Through hands-on learning, industry-aligned tools, work-based learning opportunities, and career exploration, students graduate better prepared for postsecondary education, certifications, apprenticeships, and the workforce. Across all pathways, students may have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, participate in internships or structured learning experiences, and, in select programs, earn dual college credit.

Child Development Pathway

Career Cluster: Human Services

Course Sequence: Child Development I, Child Development II, Child Career Exploration

This pathway prepares students for careers working with children and families by developing knowledge of child growth, development, health, and safety. Coursework aligns with early childhood education standards and introduces students to industry-recognized credentials.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Pathway

Career Cluster: Architecture & Construction / STEM

Course Sequence: Computer Aided Drafting, Engineering Architecture, Advanced CAD/3D Modeling

This pathway prepares students to design, model, and document technical solutions using industry-standard CAD software. Students develop skills in drafting, engineering design, and 3D modeling while building toward postsecondary and workforce readiness.

Computer Programming Pathway

Career Cluster: Information Technology

Course Sequence: Computer Programming I, Computer Programming II, AP Computer Science

This pathway builds foundational and advanced programming skills while emphasizing logic, problem-solving, and computational thinking used across technology-driven careers.

Engineering Technology Pathway

Career Cluster: STEM

Course Sequence: Principles of Engineering, Engineering/Architectural Design, Engineering Design Lab

This pathway introduces students to engineering principles, problem-solving, and design processes used across multiple technical fields. Students apply math, science, and technology concepts to real-world engineering challenges, with opportunities for advanced study and dual credit.

Finance Pathway

Career Cluster: Finance

Course Sequence: Accounting I, AP Macroeconomics, Honors Investment and Corporate Finance

Students develop financial literacy, accounting fundamentals, and business decision-making skills essential for careers in finance, banking, and entrepreneurship.

Graphic Design Pathway

Career Cluster: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Course Sequence: Graphics I, Graphics II, Graphics III

Students develop visual communication skills through digital design, branding, and media creation using professional design software. The pathway emphasizes creativity, technical proficiency, and real-world applications in marketing and media.

Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology Pathway

Career Cluster: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Course Sequence: Intro to Digital Video Production, Digital Video Production II, Advanced Digital Video Production

Students explore audio and video production, broadcasting technologies, and media storytelling through hands-on studio and field experiences.

Woodworking & Manufacturing Pathway

Career Cluster: Manufacturing

Course Sequence: Wood Tech 1, Wood Tech 2, Wood Tech 3

Students gain hands-on experience using professional-grade tools and machinery while learning safety, measurement, fabrication, and finishing techniques. This pathway emphasizes craftsmanship, problem-solving, and applied technical skills used in modern skilled trades.