Career Technical Education

Have you thought about being a Chef? A Paramedic? A Medical Assistant? A Pharmacy Technician? A Cosmetologist? A Make-Up Artist? A Mechanic? An Electrician? An Office Manager?   …  The list goes on!

These professions don’t require a 4 year college degree!  Skilled trade workers are currently in demand! Read the article published by PBS News Hour.

An education beyond high school may also include participating in a Career Technical Education (CTE) Program.  These programs are highly focused and provide hands-on learning experiences. CTE provides students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in careers by preparing students for the world of work.

CTE programs are available at Vocational Education schools as well as Community Colleges.  They are short term programs, requiring a few weeks to up to 4 semesters/2 years of coursework.  Students who attend a Community College may also choose to earn an Associates (AA/AS) Degree in their field.

Division of Adult and Career Education

In LAUSD, Division of Adult and Career Education (DACE) has Occupational Centers with CTE programs throughout Los Angeles.

DACE offers programs in the following Industry Sectors:

♣ Agriculture and Natural Resources
♣ Arts, Media and Entertainment
♣ Building and Construction Trades
♣ Business and Finance
♣ Education, Child Development and Family Services
♣ Energy, Environment and Utilities
♣ Engineering and Architecture
♣ Fashion and Interior Design
♣ Health Science and Medical Technology
♣ Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
♣ Information and Communication Technology
♣ Manufacturing and Product Development
♣ Marketing, Sales and Service
♣ Public Services
♣ Transportation

Complete the DACE Online Enrollment Form to attend an LAUSD Occupational Center. For more information, view the DACE Admission Process handout.

CTE Programs at Community Colleges

In addition to degree and transfer options, Community Colleges in California also offer various CTE programs.  Students have the option to earn a certificate and often an Associates (AA/AS) Degree in their field of study.

Visit the Community College Program Finder to view which programs are offered at the various campuses throughout California.

Visit the LA Community College District (LACCD) website to learn more about the 9 colleges in the city of Los Angeles and the CTE programs offered at each campus.

LAUSD Adult Transition Programs

LAUSD Career and Transition Centers provide employment preparation, independent living skills, and social skills instruction to students ages 18-22, who are identified by Individual Education Program (IEP) teams as needing an alternate curriculum. Employment preparation is provided through a variety of vocational training programs offered at the CTC. These programs provide opportunities for students to develop skills that will prepare them to be work ready and prepare them for competitive or supported employment opportunities after they exit the public school system. Independent living skills instruction, which includes community integration and independent travel, provides opportunities for students to learn how to navigate the community to become as independent as possible. The social skills instruction that is incorporated in each of the vocational training programs at CTCs allow students to learn and practice appropriate workplace and social behaviors in the context of real-world situations and environments.

Visit the Adult Transition Programs – Alternative Curriculum (Ages 18-22) website.

Visit the District Office of Transition Services website.

Beware of For Profit School Scams!

There are several college and vocational education programs that are For Profit and NOT accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  These programs are very costly, and students are often left with huge amounts of debt and are NOT prepared to work in their field of study.  Programs offered at these schools are most likely available — at a significantly lower cost — at accredited occupational centers or community colleges, with few exceptions.

If you’re not sure about the validity of a college or program, ask Mrs. Koch!