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Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career and technical education (CTE) programs in high school are rising in popularity, and it’s no wonder why! Not only can these courses help students explore, select, and define a career or field of interest, but they also can support students to learn soft skills that are highly prized by the job market.
You may request the following CTE classes during the annual registration period.
ROP students will be notified of next steps, which may require a mandatory orientation for students and parents.
The FHS College & Career Specialist, Mrs. Delgado, and your alpha counselor are ready and happy to answer your questions. Additional TVROP information is available in the Foothill College & Career Center.
Post-secondary CTE/Trade Schools
Post-secondary CTE/Trade Schools
The terms technical schools, vocational schools, career technical education schools and trade schools are often used interchangeably. A trade school or career college offers specialized training to students who are interested in a particular industry or career. At these colleges, students are not required to take general education classes in all subjects. You take classes only in your field of study, such as culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene, cosmetology, computer technology or medical records technology.
Career technical education is a prime choice for students who know what career they'd like, including which industry and job. Students who complete the program get a certificate of completion or an associate degree. Students who graduate from a vocational college are prepared to enter the workforce.
Certificate Programs
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are offered at career training schools, community colleges, career colleges and online schools and allow students to learn specific career skills in order to obtain a job or specialize in their careers. Professional bodies and corporations also award professional certifications, generally following successful completion of an exam. Some professional non-degree certifications may need to be renewed periodically, while others must only be completed once.
Some students choose to obtain certification instead of obtaining a degree, while others take certificate programs to enhance the degrees they've completed. A professional or trade certification is a designation that demonstrates a worker's qualification to perform his or her job. Non-degree certification often increases chances for employment or promotion.
Explore post-secondary CTE/Trade School options:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
One way to earn money while learning an important skill is through an apprenticeship program. There are 800 recognized apprenticeship occupations in the service, manufacturing, construction, public administration, retail trade, transportation, and utilities industries. Examples of these occupations include barbers, correctional officers, vocational nurses, electricians, firefighters, machinists, automotive technicians, and those in the construction trades.
Typically, an apprenticeship program can take from three to six years of classroom and on-the-job training while working beside an experienced journeyperson. During this time, apprentices are typically paid at 40-50% of a skilled worker’s wage with regular raises. Upon completion of the program, apprentices can earn $35 or more per hour depending upon the particular trade.
Generally, to apply for an apprenticeship, an applicant must:
Be 18 years of age
Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
Possess the aptitude, interest, and physical ability to succeed
Be willing to work in the environment of the craft or trade
Have good math skills
In addition, reading, writing, and speaking skills are also important in many of the trades. Pre-apprenticeships are available in some California high schools. High school classes containing the components of computer graphics, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, drafting, electricity, welding, chemistry, and higher math are valuable.
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