Auto Technology students learn how to repair and service automobiles. They focus on fluids, tires, engine repair, brakes, and shop safety. Underclassmen also work on small engines as they prepare to work on the shop floor. Students learn how to operate hand and power tools and learn to use a variety of precision measuring equipment including micrometers and calipers. Students also get introduced to client relations and inventory control. The Salerno building at Salem High School is a recently renovated stand-alone facility with a large shop consisting of multiple bays and lifts. Students get hands-on experience in this actual auto shop “like” environment. Students may seek immediate employment after graduation or may decide to continue to post-secondary education

Building Property and Maintenance students learn how to maintain homes and commercial buildings while ensuring safe work environments. The program prepares students for employment in the field by teaching skills in multiple trade-related areas including electricity, plumbing, HVAC, painting and carpentry. Students work on technical plans and prints and will utilize CAD technology to create, read and interpret drawings. In SY2021 SHS will have a brand-new lab which will contain state of the art computers, a 3D printer and a CNC machine. Students also learn how to operate hand and power tools. BPM students focus on all types of building repair, building and ground maintenance, client relations and record keeping, and green building technologies. Students collaborate with other CTE programs and building personnel on extended activities and projects. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.

Carpentry students learn how to operate multiple types of hand and power tools, both stationary and portable. They are able to demonstrate safety protocol and the proper use of equipment. They work on technical plans and prints and will utilize CAD technology to create, read and interpret drawings. In SY2021 SHS will have a brand-new lab which will contain state of the art computers, a 3D printer and a CNC machine. Carpentry students are also able to identity and describe many varieties of wood. They learn finishing techniques and precision work, while building custom furnishings. SHS Carpentry students often work collaboratively with other CTE programs and other Salem schools on extended projects and activities. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.

Culinary Arts students learn to cook and bake as they prepare for a career in the restaurant industry. They study Food and Nutrition and receive training in both “front and back of the house” skills. Salem High School has a diner called the Black Cat Café which is open to staff and community partners daily. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of work-based learning experiences including cooking and serving at events for the Council on Aging and the Salem Rotary Club. Upperclassmen also participate in cooperative education and are employed at local area restaurants. A partnership with ROOT, an intensive culinary arts youth training program, is being planned for SY2122. Salem High School received over $150,000 from MA Capital funding for this program and will have a brand-new state of the art kitchen ready to open by the end of this year. A graduate from this program possesses the necessary skills to be employed in a variety of occupations. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.

Early Education and Care students learn about child development and state EEC laws, regulations and policies. They create lesson plans and activities that are part of the preschool day. They participate in field placement and work with children as part of the onsite partnership with the YMCA and other elementary schools in Salem. Students have the opportunity to observe the growth and development of the children, focusing on physical, social-emotional and cognitive growth. A graduate from the program possesses the necessary skills to be employed as workers in the early childhood education field. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.

ELECTRICITY students learn the skills necessary to succeed in residential and commercial wiring. The students gain knowledge of equipment, blueprints, and safety skills. Students will become proficient in a variety of electrical projects in compliance with the National Electric Code, Massachusetts Electrical Code, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Safety Code. Classroom curriculum stresses mathematics and science. Emphasis is placed on the ability to solve practical problems. Students work on projects both in the shop and in the school under the supervision of a master electrician. In their final year of the program, students participate in cooperative education and work for local Electrical companies during the school day and beyond. A graduate from the program will leave with hours to apply towards the requirements of the State of Massachusetts Electrical Board for the Electrical License Examination. Students can go directly into the workplace as apprentice electricians and work towards their journeyman’s license. Students may also decide to continue to post-secondary education.

Medical Assisting students learn about the human body and study anatomy and physiology. They enroll in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses including Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems and Medical Interventions. Students acquire both clinical and administrative skills and help to run blood drives at Salem High School. They learn to take a patient’s vital signs and assist in medical office procedures. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of work-based learning experiences including Outbreak!, a 5-day program in public health and an internship at North Shore Medical Center(NSMC). Students earn clinical hours at local doctors’ offices and hospitals including North Shore Physician’s Group (NSPG). A graduate from the program possesses the necessary skills to be employed as medical assistants. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.

Programming and Web design students learn computer programming and website development. They will enroll in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses including Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A and Cybersecurity. Students will be exposed to multiple coding languages with an emphasis on JavaScript and Python. They will use Unity3D to create games and applications for multiple devices. The program is designed to help students be successful in a technical and global world. Students will participate in work-based learning including school-based internships and cooperative education opportunities with local businesses. Students also may decide to continue to post-secondary education.