Career Technical Education
Relevant Education for a Lifetime
Career Technical Education courses integrate academics in a rigorous and relevant curriculum. It provides students with an opportunity to acquire real-life skills to prepare them for successful, continuing education or entry-level career positions.
CTE Pathway Benefits:
- Certifications in software programs
- Dual Enrollment opportunities
- Participation in SkillsUSA
Learn More: CTE Pathways at Columbus
Each CTE Pathway is industry-focused and usually consists of 2-3 courses. The last course in the pathway is the capstone. When students complete a course they may receive college credit or receive an industry certificate. Click on each industry below to see details about the courses and outcomes.
Makeup Artistry
Welding
Why Participate in CTE?
- Explore career interests and goals
- Learn employability and job skills
- Create a personal portfolio
- Obtain work experience and on-the-job-training
- Prepare for advanced career training
- Receive high school credits
- Compete in industry competitions
Career Technical Education at Downey Unified School District
What this means for parents…
Your student will have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to successfully transition from school to career and beyond.
According to the Department of Labor, statistics show that skilled trade people can earn more money than people with master’s degrees. We believe that by integrating career technical education into the academic curriculum, students will see the connection and value between an education and career technical training.
Ultimately, students will be able to pursue rewarding and well-paying jobs and/or continue their education in college or a technical school.
What this means for middle school students…
In addition to your college prep classes at Columbus, you have the opportunity to experience hands-on training in a specific career area to see if you really want to invest your time to become an architect, chef, or hotel manager after you graduate.