If you’re interested in learning specific skills for a career, Career and Technical Education (CTE) may be a great fit for you! Career and Technical Education provides you with practical job training in a learning environment, allowing you to experience the daily responsibilities of a career. Whether you are college-bound or career-bound, Northeast Florida schools offer many opportunities to prepare for a successful future with Career and Technical Education programs.
CTE programs begin as early as middle school, where students are exposed to a variety of career clusters and begin to develop essential soft skills. There are a range of programs you can choose to pursue during high school and beyond, each of which readies you for work in Florida’s key industries.
In many cases, students enroll in a sequence of specific elective courses. Students select a track that aligns with a career theme, and courses build on one another each year. CTE courses help students develop technical skills, providing them with knowledge of important information such as industry equipment, processes and other competencies.
In addition to CTE courses, students who participate in career academies have the opportunity to become industry certified. Program participants are well-equipped with industry knowledge and are often offered jobs upon graduation.
Let’s explore some of the CTE programs that have enabled Northeast Florida students to excel:
VyStar Credit Union Business High School Branch Program
VyStar Credit Union created the Business High School Branch Program to bolster student financial literacy and develop students personally and professionally. The cornerstone of the academy is an operating VyStar where students work to provide all standard bank services except for lending services, and are available for use by all students at the schools. Gabrielle Bokretsion and Lindsey Thomas, graduates of Jean Ribault High School and Fleming Island High School, respectively, participated in this CTE program more than a decade ago. Now, they have thriving careers at VyStar Credit Union and attribute their success to the strong foundation and connections provided by the academy. Read more about Gabrielle and Lindsey’s CTE success story on Earn Up’s Financial Services page.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical Dual Enrollment Program
Students at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School have a unique opportunity to take dual enrollment courses through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Each year, program participants take courses that prepare them for a career in the aerospace industry. From learning about robotics and science as high school freshmen to enrolling in Introduction to Aerospace Safety and Principles of Management courses as seniors, dual enrollment students can take six college classes to earn up to 18 college credits. Plus, they may take certifications to earn the Unmanned Drone and Small Pilots licenses. Students who want to pursue a career in aerospace easily segway into continuing education at Embry Riddle, with credential courses available for certifications in addition to bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhD programs. Read about this excellent dual enrollment program on Earn Up’s Advanced Manufacturing page.
Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology
Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology is a cutting-edge college and career prep high school, offering wall-to-wall career academies. Students at Frank H. Peterson participate in CTE programs that provide specific career skill development, from advanced manufacturing to web development to culinary arts. Students gain hands-on learning experience and are prepped for professional certifications—all while earning their high school diploma. For instance, cosmetology academy students are able to gain the necessary 1,200 school hours needed for their certification and also receive class training for the Florida Board Cosmetology exam. Additionally, students in the Commercial Art program create marketing materials for real-world events, like the Healing Hearts Project’s Fun Run. Former graphic design student Dante Pierre says, “When you’re exposed early to these kinds of professional programs, you develop a skillset that never truly becomes obsolete.” Read about more students and teachers at Frank H. Peterson on Earn Up’s Education page.
Mandarin High School Health Sciences Academy
Mandarin High School’s Health Sciences Academy obtained Master Academy Status in 2022, the highest standard possible to earn through the Duval County Public School assessment process. This excellent program brings industry instruction to classrooms, which are equipped with hospital beds, medical tools and technology and requisite mannequins. Mandarin High School has expanded the Medical Academy with the addition of a state-of-the-art training facility, scheduled to be fully operational by Fall 2025. Academy students join a cohort as freshmen and continue their learning throughout high school. The program is taught by both a Registered Nurse (RN) and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), giving students two unique and critical perspectives. Students complete 16 clinical hours in a medical facility, which is available through partnerships with regional businesses such as Baptist Health, River Garden, Ascension St. Vincent’s and Medtronic. At the end of the program, students can take tests for CMAA and EKG Technician certifications and are prepared to enter a career in life sciences or pursue additional training. Learn more about this program on Earn Up’s Spotlights page.
These are a few examples of many Career and Technical Education programs offered in Northeast Florida schools. If you’re interested in learning more about CTE programs, use the following links to see your school district’s CTE resources: Baker County, Clay County, Duval County, Flagler County, Nassau County, Putnam County and St. Johns County. You can also learn more about Florida’s CTE programs through the Florida Department of Education and Get There FL.
Career and Technical Education opportunities are boundless for students in every level of education. As you explore career opportunities and potential industry pathways, Earn Up is here to help point you in the right direction.
