A guide for students and families considering technical high school

A guide for students and families considering technical high school.

At CTECS, students earn a high school diploma while learning a skilled trade. Students take academic classes and train in shops with real industrial equipment. This guide explains what students and families should know before applying.
 

Is CTECS Right for You?

CTECS is for students who want to learn about skilled trades while earning a high school diploma. Students explore different trades, practice job skills, and learn about possible careers. You do not need to know your future trade or career yet. You should be interested in learning a skilled trade and may want to work in a trade-related career someday.

1.  Classes and trade learning

CTECS is a system of public technical high schools. Students take English, math, science, history, and other classes. They also learn hands-on skills in a trade. Both parts of the program are required.

• Students work toward a high school diploma and a career and technical education certificate. Some trades offer industry credentials, too.
• After graduation, students may start a job or apprenticeship, join the military, or go to a two- or four-year college.

2. Exploring Trades in Ninth Grade

Students do not choose their final trade before they enroll. In ninth grade, they take part in the Exploratory Program. During Exploratory, students try the trades offered at their school and learn about the work, tools, and careers connected to each trade.

• Trade Options: Trades differ from school to school. Families should review the trade programs offered at their chosen school before applying. For more information, see the CTECS Student Handbook.
• Exploratory Program: As the program continues, students spend more time exploring fewer trades. Their interests, effort, performance during Exploratory, and the number of available seats help determine their final trade placement.
• Competitive Trade Selection: Trade placement is competitive. Some trades have more interested students than available seats. This means students may not be placed in their first-choice or preferred trade.

IMPORTANT: Acceptance to a CTECS high school does not guarantee placement in a student's preferred trade. Students and families should understand this before applying and be open to other trade opportunities.

3.  Your schedule and attendance

CTECS students usually spend eight to ten school days in trade and then eight to ten school days in academic classes. This cycle pattern repeats all school year. English and math meet during both cycles in grades 9 and 10. Most other classes meet for approximately 91 days during the school year, rather than 180 days. This means students cover the same amount of material in fewer class days, so keeping up with assignments is important.

• Come to school each day. Use a planner, check grades and assignments in PowerSchool, and ask teachers about missed work right away.
• Ask about transportation from your town to the school. Plan for rides home after sports, clubs, or extra help. Do not count on a late bus.

4.  School and trade rules

CTECS trade shops have real industrial tools, machines, and equipment like those used by professionals. The shops are designed to give students hands-on experience in settings similar to real workplaces. Because students work with industrial equipment, safety is a top priority. They must follow school and shop safety rules, listen carefully to instructors, use equipment responsibly, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn.

• Students wear school uniforms during academic classes and trade uniforms and required safety gear during shop. Depending on the trade, safety glasses, work boots, and other protective equipment may be required.
• Tool lists and costs differ by trade. If your family needs help paying for items, contact the school.
• Students with an IEP or 504 plan receive the support in their plan during classes and trade training.

5.  Graduation and your future

Because CTECS students study a trade each year in addition to taking academic classes, they must earn 30 credits to graduate. This is five more than the state minimum of 25 credits. Students also complete a senior trade capstone project and other required work. They must earn enough credits each year to move to the next grade.

• Students can build a plan for their future, earn some college credits, join SkillsUSA, or qualify for paid work-based learning.
• CTECS asks students to become work-ready, respectful, good problem solvers, clear communicators, and strong team members.
• Check grades and credits often. Ask for help early. Confirm the current graduation and promotion rules in the CTECS student handbook.

Questions to discuss as a family

• Am I interested in learning a skilled trade and possibly working in that field someday?
• Am I ready for both academic classes and hands-on trade learning?
• How will I get to school and get home after school events?
• Do I understand that I may not get my first-choice trade?

Before you apply, review the school’s trade programs, transportation information, and CTECS Student Handbook The acknowledgment checkbox in the application confirms that the student reviewed and understands this information. It is not used to score interest or readiness.