Career and Technical Education
Career and Technical Education (CTE) are courses at the high school level that were formerly known as vocational classes. These classes have evolved over the years to match the industry standards that are becoming more rigorous as well. Each CTE class is tied to state and district standards, while also encompassing school-to-work standards and linking to post high school opportunities. We are very fortunate to be able to offer a wide range of classes in each of the four CTE pathways.
CTE courses are available at all high schools, but do vary by school; if your student has a strong interest in any of the following career areas, please inquire about the availability of the related CTE courses at the school under consideration. CTE courses are organized under four distinct “pathways,” which include:
- Agriculture & Science classes prepare students for careers in Horticulture & Floriculture
- Business & Marketing Education classes prepare students for careers in Accounting, Web Design, Technical Writing
- Health & Human Services classes prepare students for careers in Education, Sports Medicine, Culinary Arts, & Psychology
- Technology & Industry classes prepare students for careers in Automotive, Industrial Arts, Commercial Art & Photography, Graphic Design
Some CTE programs are available in just one or two schools. They include:
Construction Apprenticeship Program (CAPP)
The Construction Apprenticeship Preparation Program at TJHS prepares students for a variety of careers in the construction industry from technician to construction management. Partnering with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, the Lathing & Acoustical Union, Home Depot, Washington Women in Trades, and local architectural and design firms, this program offers students the opportunity to combine acquisition of constructions skills with related academics. Students may earn free college credit in this program through the South King County Tech Prep Consortium, and may qualify for an apprenticeship position on completion of the program.Automotive Technology Program (NATEF)
Decatur and Federal Way high schools both offer three-year automotive repair programs. A nationally recognized program, NATEF is associated with ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Reflecting the industry’s increasing sophistication, NATEF students learn a comprehensive set of skills, including a thorough knowledge of automotive systems, computer literacy, mechanical aptitude, communications skills, applied academics and entrepreneurship. Students gain college credit via an agreement with several area colleges, and those who earn the culminating certificate of achievement will have excellent employment and earning potential.
Horticulture Program
Offered at Decatur High School, Horticulture classes can be taken as a laboratory science class, an occupational skills class or an elective. Students learn the basics of running a greenhouse floral business while learning integrated science skills. They participate in a co-curricular leadership organization and have the opportunity to earn free college credit through articulation with the Puget Sound Tech Prep Consortium.
ProStart Culinary Arts Program
Offered at Federal Way and Thomas Jefferson high schools, ProStart prepares 11th and 12th-grade students for careers in the restaurant and food service industry. Students gain valuable restaurant and food service skills through academic and workplace experiences. Topics range from preparing and serving safe food, foodservice equipment and nutrition to working with people, business math, and controlling costs. Students will participate in the operation of a foodservice business and will complete a job shadow in a local food business. Passing the ProStart Final Exam at the end of the 2-year program results in achievement of an industry-recognized certificate.
Sports Medicine
Federal Way, Todd Beamer and Decatur High Schools offer sports medicine and athletic training courses. The programs are based on curricula that has been nationally recognized for excellence in preparation of students in the sports medicine field.
Federal Way High School’s sports medicine program