In our last article, we spoke about the general in’s and out’s of our CTE Program. Now let’s do a deep dive on the three CTE Pathways – Business, Visual/Media Arts, and Education.

Business Management

In the Business Management Pathway, students will learn the principles of business using real-world examples—learning what it takes to plan and launch a product or service in today’s fast-paced business environment. The business pathway includes two pathway specific courses:

CTE Business Management 1

This two semester course covers an introduction to economics, costs and profit, and different business types. Students are introduced to techniques for managing money, personally and as a business, and taxes and credit; the basics of financing a business; how a business relates to society both locally and globally; how to identify a business opportunity; and techniques for planning, executing, and marketing a business to respond to that opportunity.

CTE Business Management 2

Students learn about the education, training, and tasks for careers in Business Management. They will be introduced to entrepreneurship and business fundamentals, goal-setting, budgeting and financial planning, resource allocation, organizational structure and management techniques, economics, business data analysis, and risk management. The course covers business management concepts of planning, market research, launching a business, organizational leadership, and directing efforts to accomplish a goal. By the end of the course, students will have learned how to be professionals in the workplace via California’s Standards for Career Ready Practice units such as Communication and Responsibility, Leadership and Teamwork, and Workplace Law and Safety.

Why should I pursue this field? Who is this pathway for?

The business pathway is really for any student who wants to be prepared for the workforce after high school and/or postsecondary education. From business, to finance to marketing and management this pathway will provide valuable instruction and let you explore and develop in-demand skills. 

What kind of job can I get in this field?

This pathway prepares students for postsecondary education or a career in business management, finance, or marketing. However, the knowledge gained and skills developed can be applied to any field. 

What specific opportunities and experience will this pathway provide? What kind of skills and knowledge will I acquire?

Students will learn the principles of business using real-world examples—learning what it takes to plan and launch a product or service in today’s fast-paced business environment. Skills developed in this pathway are critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and other important workplace skills. Students also learn how to do career research, explore opportunities and create an individualized career plan.

Design, Visual, & Media Arts

In the Design, Visual, & Media Arts Pathway, students will explore potential educational and career pathways across a broad spectrum of professional positions in the design, visual, and media arts. The Design, Visual, & Media Arts pathway includes two pathway specific courses:

CTE Design, Visual, & Media Arts 1

This concentrated year-long high school course provides comprehensive information on potential educational and career pathways in design, visual, media, and digital arts. Students will gain useful perspectives on industry terminology, technology, work environment, job outlook, and guiding principles. This course incorporates project based learning, weekly live sessions, participation in the CalPac CTE Academy, and portfolio creation.

CTE Design, Visual, & Media Arts 2 (Sections A & B)

2A: This is a semester course that presents high school students an overview of the different types of Digital Media and how they are used in the world today. This course examines the impact that digital media has on culture and lifestyle. The course reviews the basic concepts for creating effective digital media and introduces several different career paths related to digital media. Students learn about the tools used as well as best practices employed for creating digital media. In the course, students explore topics such as the use of social media, digital media in advertising, digital media on the World Wide Web, digital media in business, gaming and simulations, e-commerce, and digital music and movies. Students also review the ethics and laws that impact digital media use or creation. This course incorporates project based learning, weekly live sessions, participation in the CalPac CTE Academy, and 15 internship/work hours.

2B: Students have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in this project-based course. Instruction focuses on creative components such as digital media, graphic design, web design, video, computer production and application in both the educational and work-based setting. Students create a media arts portfolio that demonstrates entry level workforce skills and comprehensive knowledge of industry practices. This course incorporates project based learning, weekly live sessions, portfolio, participation in the CalPac CTE Academy, and 15 internship/work hours.

Why should I pursue this field?  Who is this pathway for?

This pathway is for students interested in communication and expression through visual arts, digital media, and web based and audio/film tools. Design is a career path that spans throughout many different sectors and in a modern world where digital media is incredibly prevalent, this path offers huge opportunities.

What kind of job can I get in this field?

After finishing the program, students should have experience that could aid them in roles like Social Media Assistant, Marketing Assistant, Advertising Assistant, Graphic Design and arts assistant.

With further study and certifications students could attain roles like Social Media Manager, Marketing Manager, Advertising, Creative Director, Graphic Designer. While there are digital media and design roles across almost all industries, those who choose this path could go after positions at companies like Google, Facebook, Pentagram, Meta Design, Apple

What specific opportunities and experience will this pathway provide?

Students in this pathway study visual art elements, apply artistic skills and processes to solve industry relevant problems, and research the impact of history and culture of different media products.  They will be given the opportunity to explore industry career options and create a career specific plan.

Education and Administration

In the Education and Administration Pathway, students are introduced to the field of education and training, and the opportunities available for early-childhood through adult and continuing education. Students in this pathway will gain an understanding of the career options available in teaching, administrative work, and support services. The Education and Administration pathway includes one pathway specific courses:

CTE Careers in Education 1

Students explore the education and background experience needed to succeed in career options available in teaching, administrative work, and support services. They will learn about the evolution of the modern educational system in the United States, and the policies and laws that govern educational institutions. They also discover the similarities and differences between the ethical and legal obligations of working with adults versus working with children. In the second semester, the course introduces students to the art and science of teaching. It provides a thorough exploration of pedagogy, curriculum, standards and practices, and the psychological factors shown by research to affect learners. In five units of study, lessons, and projects, students engage with the material through in-depth exploration and hands-on learning, to prepare them for teaching and training careers. Students are given many opportunities to be the teacher or trainer, and to explore the tasks, requirements, teaching strategies, and research-based methods that are effective and high-quality.

Why should I pursue this field? Who is this pathway for?

Students interested in childcare, education, and training should pursue this pathway.  Students gain an understanding of the career options available in teaching, administrative work, and support services. 

What kind of job can I get in this field?

After finishing this pathway students should have experience that could aid them in becoming a Training Assistant, Teaching Assistant, School Administration Assistant, Tutor, or Child Care Assistant

With further study and certifications students could attain roles like Pre-school Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, or School Administrator. Students could pursue roles at companies like Kindercare, Tutortime, Mathnasium, as well as any local school or training department.

What specific opportunities and experience will this pathway provide?

While enrolled in this pathways, students are given the opportunity to put the skills they are learning to practice through simulating being a teacher or trainer. This hands on exploration will go through the tasks, requirements, teaching strategies, and research-based methods that they would be relying upon and implementing in a classroom or training setting.

So there you have it – the three CTE Pathways! Graduating high school with career path knowledge is a huge asset – especially when it is paired with hands-on experience. Participating in the CTE program could open up career opportunities for you and set give you a clearer understanding of what path you want to take once you receive that high school diploma. For further information on how to enroll in CTE, reach out to your counselor. They will guide you through the requirements and expectations of being a part of the CTE Program.

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