The cluster is the primary unit of organization at the Connecticut Technical High Schools. Utilizing the national definition of technology clusters, the six career clusters are as follows:
(Please note: Not all Trade Technology courses are available at each school.)
See a list of courses and their locations. (Adobe Acrobat format)

Each technical program has a specific three-year program of study that outlines all academic and technical coursework required for students enrolled in that particular cluster. The career programs taught within each cluster are as follows:

I. Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Cluster

The Hospitality and Tourism Cluster is designed to create an appreciation of the service trades. Programs provide students with theoretical knowledge and skills for entry-level employment in the management, marketing and operation of restaurants, bakeries, lodging and travel-related services. Also included in this cluster are programs providing students with skills in hairdressing/barbering and fashion design. Graduates find employment in a wide variety of service occupations or continue their studies at post-secondary institutions.

Baking

Culinary Arts

Fashion Technology

Hairdressing/Barbering

Hospitality and Customer Service Management

Retail Management and Entrepreneurship

II. Construction Cluster

The Construction Cluster is designed to create an appreciation of the construction industry and develop entry level-skills within the industry. The program provides students with theoretical knowledge and skills for entry-level employment in the residential, commercial and industrial construction areas or in post-secondary institutions. Many opportunities for employment within the construction industry are available.

Architectural Technologies

Carpentry

Electrical

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Masonry

Plumbing and Heating

Plumbing, Heating and Cooling (Oliver Wolcott Tech only)

III. Manufacturing Cluster

The Manufacturing Cluster is comprised of interrelated industries that include the broad categories of manufacturing and assembling goods, drafting and design, machining and welding/fabrication. Many opportunities for employment and future professional development are possible within this cluster. Production planning and control, product and tooling design and manufacturing engineering are a few of the possible opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to continue their studies at postsecondary institutions.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

Electromechanical Technology

General Drafting and Design

Manufacturing Technology

Welding and Metal Fabrication

IV. Transportation Cluster

The Transportation Cluster prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in diagnostics, repair and maintenance of automotive and heavy-duty engines and equipment. Graduates enter the many opportunities for employment as automotive mechanics, diesel engine repair technicians, and in collision repair and refinishing. Students also have the opportunity to continue their studies at postsecondary institutions.

Automotive Collision, Repair and Refinishing

Automotive Technology

Diesel and Heavy Duty Equipment Repair

V. Computer Technologies Cluster

The Computer Technologies cluster prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills designing, developing, managing and supporting hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. Also included in this cluster are programs providing training in electronics technology and graphic technology. Graduates enter a wide variety of high-technology positions or continue their studies at postsecondary institutions.

Electronics Technology

Graphics Technology

Information Systems Technology

Pre-Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics

VI. Health Technology Cluster

The Health Technology Cluster is designed to provide a broad-based exposure and appreciation of health-related and early care and education occupations, as well as those in bioscience environmental technology. Programs provide students with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in planning, managing and providing health care services, early care and education, and bioscience environmental technology research. Graduates may complete a competency credential or certification eligibility for entry-level employment in a variety of health-care settings or continue their studies at postsecondary institutions.

Bioscience Environmental Technology

Early Care and Education

Health Technology