About
CTECS’ Career Academy is a unique collaboration between the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and public schools in Connecticut. A limited number of seats are available for eligible grade 10 through 12 students to train in several in-demand career fields, including manufacturing; facilities carpentry; culinary; HVAC; and automotive collision and repair.
The program graduates students with career certificates and industry-recognized credentials, providing them a jump-start on their career by preparing them with technical and employability skills aligned with entry-level industry positions. Additionally, students who complete the program graduate with career and technical education (CTE) credits towards a high school diploma.
Grade 10 through 12 students from Connecticut high schools can participate in the program, which operates after-school or during the school day, depending on the location. Students who attend the day program go to their sending school for academics in the morning, and then are bussed to the Career Academy for afternoon CTE classes.
Benefits
Industry Recognized Certifications
Credits Towards a High School Diploma
Convenient Schedule
Transportation Provided
Creative, Hands-on Activity
Career Academy locations
Vinal Technical High School, Middletown
The Career Academy at Vinal Tech
Vinal Technical High School’s Career Academy operates in collaboration with Middletown public schools. This day program will offer grade 11 and 12 students training in HVAC, Precision Machining, and Information Technology.
H.C. Wilcox Technical High School, Meriden
The Career Academy at Wilcox Tech
Wilcox Tech’s Career Academy operates in collaboration with Meriden Public Schools. Programs include Facilities Carpentry; Manufacturing; Culinary; and Automotive Collision and Repair.
Ella T. Grasso Technical High School, Groton
The Career Academy at Grasso Tech
Ella T. Grasso’s Career Academy operates in collaboration with Groton public schools. Programs include Digital Media and Mechanical Design & Engineering Technology (MDET).
What our students are saying
“This program has opened up my eyes to how many job opportunities there are. The manufacturing industry is really big. It doesn’t matter what it is, you could be making toilet paper or pencils – it all involves manufacturing.”
“I’ve done baking and cooking in the past, but I’ve never taken a real serious class. The Career Academy is helping me for my future career and will help build my resume.”
“I would encourage students to try the Career Academy because you learn a lot of skills you wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
In the news
What’s Right With Schools: Afterschool program provides students hands-on experience in various trades
“The Career Academy is a program that allows students from Meriden Public Schools to come to Wilcox Tech and take some classes after school,” Pat Ciarleglio, an education consultant for the Connecticut Technical Education Career [...]
Lawmakers visit Middletown to highlight CT tech schools hours extension
Middletown Press Staff May 19, 2021 MIDDLETOWN — Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz visited Vinal Technical High School recently to highlight Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposal for the use of federal COVID-19 recovery funding that Connecticut is receiving from the [...]
Wilcox Tech Launches Career Academy in Partnership with Meriden Public Schools
In collaboration with Meriden Public Schools, H.C. Wilcox Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), opened an afterschool, career and technical education (CTE) program for grade 10 and [...]
