Career & Technical Education (CTE)
About
Hundreds of students in South Bend schools have discovered that traditional college is not the only pathway to career success.
Structured for Success
Program selection and registration begins sophomore year when students plan their junior year schedules with guidance counselors. Beginning junior year, CTE students attend class for half the day at their home high school, then are bussed to another location for the other half of the day. Training and instruction takes place at one of the area high schools, Ivy Tech, or another specialized location. Transportation is provided by SBCSC so students can make the most of these career training opportunities.
Ready for the Workforce or College
The SBCSC has partnered with local colleges and universities, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that the programs offered meet the academic and technical skills required for students to be successful and ready for the workforce immediately upon graduating. If a student decides that college is the direction they wish to pursue, any dual credit earned while in high school will put them a step ahead, both financially and academically.
Graduate a Step Ahead
CTE students have the option of earning dual credits, which means they will have both high school and college credits upon graduating which gives them a head start on a college degree. Students can also earn industry certifications in specific fields, which position them to enter a given profession with a proven record of achievement. All SBCSC high school students are eligible to participate in all CTE programs offered at the four district high schools, regardless of their “home” high school.
Programs
A total of 21 different programs are available to all SBCSC high school students, and are taught by experienced professionals in each of the fields. Many of these career tracks offer professional certification to further prepare students to be workforce ready upon graduation.
Some programs offer:
Dual credits - both high school and college credits upon graduating
Dual enrollment - attend high school for half the day and either Ivy Tech or Vincennes University for the other half.Industry certifications - students enter a given field with a proven record of achievement.
Transportation is provided so students can make the most of these opportunities.
PROGRAMS
- Architectural Drafting & Design
- Audio & Video Production
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Flight & Operations
- Construction Technology
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Careers
- Early Childhood Education
- Education Professions
Architectural Drafting & Design
This two-year program is currently held at Adams High School and provides dual high school and college credits. Students in this program produce drawings to be used as visual guidelines for the construction of new buildings or additions to existing ones. Students in an architectural drafting program learn construction practices, and how to use Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) (software that produces precise 2D drawings as well as 3D models) as well as freehand drawing techniques.
Students Learn
- Necessary skills used by drafting technicians
- How to create and interpret construction documents
- 3D drawing techniques
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Architectural drafter
- Architectural drafting technician
- Bridge drafting technician
- CAD specialist
- CAD manager
Bachelor’s degree:
- Architect
Audio & Video Production
This two-year program of study is held at Riley High School and provides dual high school and college credits. Students in the program learn about photography, video editing, camera functions, media analysis, and filmmaking. They work in groups and write, shoot, and edit their own projects, including public service announcements, commercials, short films, and music videos. Students also operate their own on-site radio station, WETL 91.7, where they serve as hosts for their own programs and produce website content.
Students Learn
- Video production
- Video editing
- Filmmaking
- Media analysis
- Radio station operations
- Camera functions
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Audio editor
- Independent filmmaker
- Music director
- Radio host
- Videographer
- Video editor
- Video jockey
Associate degree:
- Key grip
- Lighting technician “gaffer”
- Production assistant
- Script supervisor
Bachelor’s degree:
- Communications professional
- News reporter
- Producer
- Public and/or media relations professional
Automotive Technology
This two-year program of study is held at Clay High School and Ivy Tech and provides dual high school and college credit. Students in this program are mechanically inclined and will be equipped with the skills to diagnose and repair automobile issues and improve their performance.
Students Learn
- Brakes and braking systems
- Diagnostics
- Electronics components
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- General auto maintenance
- Record keeping
- Mechanical skills
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Automotive service technician
- Diesel mechanic
- Race car mechanic
- Small engine mechanic examiner
Aviation Flight & Operations
Using state-of-the-art flight simulation equipment, students in this two-year program are provided hands-on training at the South Bend International Airport.
Students Learn
- Airplane maintenance
- Air traffic control
- Aviation management
- Aviation operations
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Aircraft dispatcher
- Airfield maintenance operator
- Flight attendant
- Ground operations agent
- Transportation security officer
Associate degree:
- Airline and avionics technician
- Air traffic controller Bachelor’s degree:
- Aerospace engineer
- Aircraft maintenance technician
- Airport operations officer
- Operations assistant
- Pilot
Construction Technology
This two-year program begins at Riley High School and is completed senior year at a construction site where students build a house. Students learn the skills necessary to use machinery and software, and strategically plan and oversee projects. Students gain an understanding of advanced field construction methods and equipment.
Students Learn
- Carpentry
- Design
- Drafting
- Project planning and phases
- Survey work
- Construction equipment
- Wireless and advanced building technology
- Inventory management
![]() time-lapse video of a project. |
Curious about the last house they built? |
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Building inspector
- Contractor
- Cost estimator
- Heavy equipment operator
Associate degree:
- Engineering technician
Bachelor’s degree:
- Adjunct instructor
- Construction restoration inspector
- Information systems technician
- Project engineer
- Project manager
Cosmetology
This two-year program begins at the start of junior year and is completed at the end of senior year at Vogue Beauty College or Inspiration School of Beauty Culture. Students become versed in new and advanced beauty treatments and methods for a wide ranging clientele. The program offers one full scholarship for each of the four primary high schools. Students are licensed upon successful completion of the program.
Students Learn
- Hair styling and hair dressing techniques
- Shampooing, trimming, conditioning, straightening, curling, and coloring hair
- Designing, trimming, and fitting wigs, hairpieces, and extensions
- Trimming, shaping, and coloring eyebrows
- Facial and body hair removal
- Cleaning and trimming nails and cuticles
- Polishing nails and applying nail art and artificial nails
- Facials, scrubs, and masks
- Neck, head, and body massages
- Professional makeup application
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Cosmetologist
- Colorist
- Hair stylist
- Makeup artist • Manicurist
- Massage therapist
- Salon development partner • Salon manager/owner
- Wax specialist
Criminal Justice
This two-year program is offered at Clay High School to those students interested in a career in corrections, criminology, forensic sciences, law enforcement, immigration, probation, and security administration.
Students Learn
- The skills needed to maintain law and order
- How to protect life and property
- How to conduct administration, planning, and research services
- The nature of law
- The functions of the judicial system
- Court proceedings
- Crime prevention strategy
- Investigative techniques
- Witness statement documentation
- Procedural aspects of the criminal system
- Probation process
- Emergency procedures
- Patrol procedures
- Theories of criminal behavior
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Crime analyst
- License and permits investigator
- Police cadet
- Public safety officer
- Records specialist
- Victim advocate
- Victim assistance specialist
Associate degree:
- Corrections officer
- Criminal investigator
- Deputy sheriff
- Forensic science technician
- Police officer
- Security guard
Bachelor’s degree
- Ballistics specialist
- Blood spatter analyst
- Crime scene investigator
- Criminologist
- DNA analyst
- Fiber technologist
- Forensic odontologist
- Homicide detective
- Psychological profiler
Culinary Arts
This comprehensive two-year program offers students the education needed to achieve successful careers in the culinary world. The Culinary Arts Program is housed at Clay High School, where students are provided mentoring and hands-on learning with a le Cordon Bleu certified instructor. Students can earn up to six dual credits in the program.
Students Learn
- Food production
- Food science
- Cooking and baking techniques
- Nutrition
- Cost control
- Purchasing
Possible Careers
Upon graduating:
- Baker
- Caterer
- Kitchen manager
- Line cook
- Pastry chef
Associate degree:
- Banquet chef
- Food production manager
- Institutional food service director
- Purchasing manager
- Sous chef
Bachelor’s degree:
- Culinary instructor
- Executive chef
- Food critic
- Personal chef
Dental Careers
Dental Assistant certification with radiology
This program is available at Clay High School, and certification allows students to graduate with the necessary licensing for them to practice as a dental assistant immediately following their graduation. Students are given hands on experience working with patients, dental hygienists, and dentists.
Students Learn
- Record keeping
- Oral hygiene practices
- X-ray interpretation
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Dental assistant
- Dental sterilization assistant
- Dental sales representative
Bachelor’s degree:
- Dental hygienist
- Dental office manager
- Professor of dental hygiene
- Dental insurance officer
Early Childhood Education
This program is offered at Washington High School, where students are given instruction and guidance in educating young children, primarily ages 3-5. Students gain fieldwork experience in area preschool classrooms and regularly observe, reflect, and apply effective teaching strategies and classroom management. Six high school credits can be earned simultaneously with nine dual credits from Ivy Tech. Students who complete the program have the opportunity to earn their Child Development Associate certificate.
Students Learn
- Classroom management
- Stages of early childhood development
- Problem solving skills
- Lesson planning
- Leadership
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Home licensed childcare provider
- Child care center employee
- Assistant or Lead teacher in early learning environment
- Preschool teacher
- Classroom aide
- Private childcare provider
Associate degree:
- Teaching assistant
- Day care manager
- Head Start teacher
- Textbook sales representative
Bachelor’s degree:
- Preschool teacher
- Special education teacher
- English language learner teacher
- Social worker
- Parent educator
- Lesson plan developer
- Standardized test developer
Education Professions
Offered through Clay High School, this program readies students for careers in education policy, research, teaching, and various roles in education technology, non-profit management, and corporate settings. Experiential learning allows students to develop an understanding of educational policies, K-12 classroom teaching, management, higher education, international education, school counseling, and school leadership.
Students Learn
- History of U.S. education
- Educational initiatives
- Professional responsibilities
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Learning strategies
- Instructional practices
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Administrative assistant
- Teacher assistant
- School bus driver
Bachelor’s degree:
- Teacher
- Corporate trainer
- Student services director
- Literacy specialist
- Principal
- Curriculum developer
- Guidance counselor
- Emergency Medical Services
- Entrepreneurship
- Fire & Rescue
- Graphic Design
- Health Science Education
- Human & Social Services
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- PC & Network Support
- Precision Machine Technology
- Sports & Entertainment Marketing
- Welding Technology
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Technician certification, 911 Dispatch certification
This program at Clay High School provides students with hands-on experience learning from experienced emergency medical technicians (EMT). Students are able to complete the basic training necessary for them to become certified professionals able to administer emergency medical services and will be career ready upon graduating.
Students Will Learn
- Ambulance services
- Transport techniques
- Definitive care
- Clinical care
- Dispatch and code
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Certified EMT
- First responder
- 911 dispatcher
- EMT instructor
- Medical office assistant
- Certified nursing assistant
- 911 dispatch certification
- Fire and police dispatcher
Bachelor’s degree:
- Emergency management director
- Air traffic controller
- Emergency communications specialist
Entrepreneurship
Available at Riley High School, students in this program will learn how to run and operate their own business. The program also offers an introduction to business law. Students receive three hours of high school credit per semester, and earn up to six hours of college credit for the year (three hours for entrepreneurship and three hours for business law). Students will be afforded the opportunity to work with mentors from the University of Notre Dame’s MBA program and compete in the Business Plan Competition.
Students Learn
- Decision making skills
- Finance
- Business planning and administration
- Components of a profitable business
- How to develop products and services
- Basic communications and marketing skills
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Business office assistant
- Business office intern
- Business plan consultant
Associate degree:
- Sales representative
- Business researcher and developer
Bachelor’s degree:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Business consultant
- Fundraiser
- Recruiter
Fire & Rescue
Available at Riley High School, students in this program will learn how to run and operate their own business. The program also offers an introduction to business law. Students receive three hours of high school credit per semester, and earn up to six hours of college credit for the year (three hours for entrepreneurship and three hours for business law). Students will be afforded the opportunity to work with mentors from the University of Notre Dame’s MBA program and compete in the Business Plan Competition.
Students Learn
- Decision making skills
- Finance
- Business planning and administration
- Components of a profitable business
- How to develop products and services
- Basic communications and marketing skills
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Business office assistant
- Business office intern
- Business plan consultant
Associate degree:
- Sales representative
- Business researcher and developer
Bachelor’s degree:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Business consultant
- Fundraiser
- Recruiter
Graphic Design
Offered at both Clay and Riley high schools, students are given a head start learning how to create and design graphics and various forms of interactive media.
Students Learn
- Animation
- Color theory
- Typography
- Web design
- Adobe InDesign
- Media trends
- Layout
- Lighting
- 3D design
- Sound integration
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Graphic design assistant
- Production specialist
- Illustrator
- Web designer
- Multimedia artist
- Flash developer
Bachelor’s degree:
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Media consultant
- Instructor
- Web designer
- Interior designer
- Textile designer
Health Science Education
Certified Nursing Assistant
This program, housed at Clay High School, offers students extensive laboratory experience at clinical sites with the opportunity to assume the role of an active health care provider, putting into practice the technical skills learned in the classroom. This course allows students to make the transition into meaningful careers in health science with hands on experience.
Students Learn
- Diagnostics and healthcare skills
- Communication skills and codes
- Medical practices and nursing skills
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Certified nursing assistant working in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care centers, home healthcare companies, and CNA staffing agencies
Bachelor’s degree:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nursing Home Administrator
Human & Social Services
Students study at Riley High School and learn about the field of social work, social welfare, and advocacy. Through community outreach and guidance from experienced social workers, students are given a head start in the direction of a fulfilling and justice driven career.
Students Learn
- Family and child services and resources
- Elderly advocacy
- Behavioral management skills and best practices
- Problem remediation and prevention
- Human resources
- Disability services
- Social services navigation and terminology
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Human service specialist
- Child life specialist
- Behavioral management aide
- Direct support professional
- Social and human service assistant
Bachelor’s degree:
- Case management worker
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- School counselor
- Behavioral therapist
- Family services advocate
- Substance abuse counselor
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council certification
This two-year program will be held at Riley High School. Industry certification is included and students can earn nine - 12 college credits.
Logistics and supply chain management professionals plan, implement, and control the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements.
Students Learn
- Forecasting
- Lean manufacturing
- Procurement
- Safe equipment operation
- Safe warehouse design
- Quality control
Potential Careers
Upon graduation:
- Certified Logistics Technician
- Material mover
- Production, planning, and expediting clerk
- Shipping and receiving clerk
Bachelor's degree:
- Logistician
- Logistics analyst or manager
- Operations manager
- Purchasing agent or manager
- Storage and distribution manager
- Supply change manager
PC & Network Support
The PC and Network Support program is housed at Riley High School. The course provides students the skills necessary to understand, troubleshoot, organize, and resolve personal computer (PC) information and technology issues while providing technology support.
Students Learn
- Basic coding
- Software installation and maintenance
- Computer hardware and software
- PC and network troubleshooting
- Customer service
- Software training
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Support technician
- Call center associate
- Sales representative
Associate degree:
- Computer support specialist
Bachelor’s degree:
- Director of information technology
- Network specialist
- Computer science professor
Precision Machine Technology
National Institute for Metalworking Certification
This program, offered at Adams High School, provides students the hands-on experience needed to understand precision machining technology. Students are prepared for entry level positions in the machine tool industry. Students will be trained in the conventional areas (lathes, mills, drills, and grinders), as well as in Computer Numerical Control (CNC).
Students Learn
- Metalworking skills, including grinding, milling, turning
- Machinery operation skills
- Time management
- Industry trends
- Machine error assessment and repair
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Machinist
- Machine assembly
- Tool designer
- Tool and die maker
- Quality control inspector
- Service representative
Bachelor’s degree:
- Mechanical engineer
- Inspector
- Engineering teacher
Sports & Entertainment Marketing
Based at Riley High School, this program gives students hands on experience learning trends in effective sports and entertainment marketing. Through creating their own marketing projects, students learn how to plan and execute marketing strategies while learning from leading professionals in the field.
Students Learn
- Marketing trends
- Social media effectiveness and best practices
- Communications skills
- Budgeting
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Digital marketing sales associate
- Marketing events coordinator
- Corporate trainer
Bachelor’s degree:
- Marketing director
- Event coordinator
- Account coordinator
- Account executive
- Promotions specialist
Welding Technology
American Welding Society certification
This program, offered at Clay High School, allows students to earn credits that apply toward their American Welding Society certification.
Students Learn
- Basic automotive fabrication
- Machinery maintenance
- Safety practices
- Project planning and implementation
Possible Careers
Upon graduation:
- Assembler
- Boilermaker
- Sheet metal worker
- Welder
- Solderer
- Cutter
- Brazer
- Bridge welding technician