Career and Technical Education

Career & Technical Education in Baldwin County Public Schools

The Division of Career and Technical Education is focused on helping students achieve success through leadership development, career awareness, and academic excellence. This division provides support services to Baldwin County Career Technical Education teachers, administrators, and counselors through professional development that works to further K-12 student achievement and project-based learning. Career Technical Education is offered in all eight high schools as elective courses and is offered in all middle schools in Baldwin County and at Baldwin Preparatory Academy.

Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are the foundation of the workforce. CTE is focused on developing the specific career and technical skills of 7-12 grade students and strives to prepare students for the transition to postsecondary learning and workforce opportunities. It provides students with essential leadership skills through participation in student organizations.

BCBE CTE programs offer students a wide variety of courses in agriculture, construction, welding, cosmetology, graphic design, information technology, marketing, and many more. Please review the programs below which include a detailed course offering, locations of the programs, and future career paths for students.

Programs Offered in CTE

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Students who select the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster are interested in the planning, implementation, production, management, or marketing of agriculture, food, and natural resources. The foundation course, Agriscience, may be offered to all ninth through twelfth-grade students.

Students are provided with the essential knowledge, high-level skills and training demanded work in this cluster. Learning activities simulate types of work environments students may encounter. The classroom and laboratory for this cluster provide a safe and appropriate setting for active, structured, and stimulating student learning and assessment. This cluster emphasizes the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

The Career Tech Student Organization for this cluster is Alabama FFA Organization whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students participating in this program area have an opportunity to obtain an Adult Beef Quality Assurance Certification, Pork Quality Assurance Certification, Briggs & Stratten Certification, National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Certification, Landscape Technician, or Urban Forestry Certification.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Typical Careers in this Cluster include:

Environment Engineer
Farmer/Rancher
Forest and Conservation Workers
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Architecture & Construction

Architecture and Construction

The Architecture and Construction cluster provides students with basic knowledge and skills within a safe and appropriate setting for student exploration and achievement. The active, structured, and stimulating environment simulates the workplace setting and enhances student ability to adapt to an ever-changing job market.

Course content includes significant technical depth and incorporates engineering concepts and terminology. Students in Grades 9-12 are required to take a foundation course before entering a pathway in this cluster.

The Career Tech Student Organization for this cluster is SkillsUSA whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students in architecture and Construction learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to a four-year college and graduate programs.

Students participating in this program area have an opportunity to earn a certificate at (NCCER) National Center for Construction Education & Research Core and Level 1 (Carpentry, HVACR, or Welding), AWS Certification, or an EPA Card.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Careers in this cluster include:

Welder
Electrical Technology Engineer
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technician
Carpenter (Any related occupations in this area)
Cabinetmaker
Pipefitter

Arts, Audio-Video Technology, and Communication

The Arts, Audio-Video Technology, and Communications cluster engages students in challenging curricula where they are able to develop technical skills in the areas of graphic arts, television production, animation, advertising design, and commercial photography within a safe and innovative setting. Students who choose to complete a pathway in this cluster have the ability to comprehend course materials and complete laboratory work, projects, and assignments related to the cluster. Courses in this cluster provide students with the knowledge and skills for further education and for employment. Students use current and emerging technology, observe modeling and mastery of competencies, and develop and apply skills required for success in their chosen fields.

The Career Tech Student Organization for this cluster is SkillsUSA whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students participating in this program area have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in (ACA) Adobe Certified Associate (Graphic Arts), or Apple Final Cut Certified Pro-Level One (TV Production).

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy
Foley High School
Daphne High School
Spanish Fort High School

Careers in this cluster include:

Foundations of AAVTC
International Advertising Design
Digital Design
Graphic Illustration
Broadcasting
TV Production
Film
Camera and Video Editing

Business, Management, and Administration

If you want to run your own business or be the person that makes a business successful, be sure to look at the opportunities in the Business, Management and Administration Career Cluster. Students learn business skills essential to efficient, productive operations for any company.

The Business, Management and Administration cluster prepare students with the fundamental knowledge and skills for careers in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. In addition, students learn ways in which technology, globalization and regulatory issues affect the day-to-day operation of businesses. Information is also provided regarding possible credentialing or certification.

Cooperative Education is a structured component of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum that integrates classroom instruction with productive, progressive, supervised, work-based experiences/apprenticeships (Paid) related to students' career objectives. Content is planned for students through a cooperative arrangement between the school and employer as a component of work-based learning.

Future Business Leaders of America is the Student Organization component of this cluster. These student organizations enhance classroom instruction, develop leadership skills, and provide opportunities for professional growth and service.

Students have an opportunity to obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in these programs some schools also offer the opportunity for an Adobe Certified Associate in (Adobe Illustrator or Adobe PhotoShop Certification).

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin County provides Computer Essentials courses at the Middle School Level in the following schools:

Cosmetology & Barbering

This cluster prepares students for employment in career pathways that relate to personal care services, such as cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail care, and natural hairstyling. Rigorous instruction is provided to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in preparation for credentials, articulation, and/or further education.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Careers in this cluster include:

Hairstylist / Hair Colorist
Makeup Artist
Nail Technician / Manicurist
Esthetician (Skincare specialist)
Barber

Education and Training

If you want to have a lifelong impact on others, then you will want to take a close look at the Education and Training Career Cluster. This family of classes and practical experiences develops the art of teaching, planning and administration in schools, colleges, technical institutes and businesses. Education is one of the basic rights of children in America, and states always need qualified teachers.

The Education and Training cluster offers classroom and required laboratories, providing a safe and innovation setting for student exploration and mastery of required course content. Students selecting this cluster possess the ability to comprehend course materials and complete laboratory work, projects, and assignments related to the Education and Training cluster. Students gain knowledge of current technology and information; observe and master proficiencies required for success in a chosen career pathway; apply academic skills and critical and creative-thinking skills to solve real-world problems; and utilize reading skills required in the content area.

The Career Tech Student Organizations for Education and Training are Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Students participating in this program have an opportunity to obtain a Business and Industry/Career Ready Credential in:

Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program of Basic Skills

Typical Careers in this Cluster include:

Teacher
Education Administrator
Adult Literacy Instructor
Library Media Specialist
Coach
School Counselor

Government and Public Administration

Government & Public Administration/ JROTC

Government and Public Administration. An integral part of the Government and Public Administration cluster is the JROTC program. Both the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) and the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) are leadership development programs designed to build citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community. These programs promote and develop the spirit of teamwork as well as learning and the application of life skills. JROTC is a regular class, a club with many extra-curricular activities, and a team involved in numerous competitions all rolled into one. The cadets are the team members and the instructors serve as their coaches, mentors, and advisors. JROTC is a progressive educational and training program with associated curricula and activities that span all four years of high school (9th through 12th grades). The JROTC Cadet Corps is run by the cadets and is therefore a team activity that allows cadets to learn how to follow and then lead. Cadets are assessed not only on their JROTC academic performance, but also on their service, participation, and conduct both in and out of uniform. Much of the community service required of cadets take place after school, on weekends, and even during the summer. Discipline and responsibility are required to be successful in all JROTC Programs.

JROTC activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The Baldwin County Academic Guide indicates that selected one-credit courses in this program area fulfill the Career Preparedness Course and or Life Skills PE.

Students participating three years in JROTC may earn a JROTC Career Ready Indicator required for graduation.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Spanish Fort High School students may participate in Daphne High School's JROTC program. Elberta High School students may participate in Robertsdale High School's JROTC program. Students should speak to their high school counselor for specific information on enrolling in the Government and Public Administration/JROTC cluster.

Careers in this cluster include all branches of the United States Military

Health Science

The Health Science classroom provides a safe and appropriate setting for student exploration and assessment. The rigorous and challenging content of the Health Science cluster lends itself to a variety of instructional strategies, including contextual applications, virtual classrooms, and the use of multimedia. Competency-based, learner-centered instruction enables students to participate in both classroom and on-site practice of skills necessary for a career path in Health Science. The Health Science curriculum provides flexibility in meeting the needs of all students by providing a variety of instructional strategies that include project, service, and work-based learning experiences.

Students who choose to enter the Health Science field set specific academic goals for meeting the expectations of business and industry. Participation in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) helps students achieve these goals while enhancing the development of leadership skills.

Students participating in this program area have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in: BLS Instructor Healthcare Provider, CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, (CET) Certified EKG Technician, American Lifeguard Association Certification (GSHS), (EMR) National Emergency Medical Responder or (EMT) National Emergency Medical Technician.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Careers in this cluster include:

Registered Nurse
Physical Therapists
Patient Care Technical
Various Occupations in Allied Health
Physical Therapist Assistant
Athletic Trainer
Exercise Physiologist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Occupational Therapist

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality and Tourism is a pathway providing both a classroom and laboratory; in this provide safe and innovative settings for student exploration and assessment. These settings provide structured and stimulating environments designed to meet students’ emerging needs. Students choosing a pathway in the Hospitality and Tourism cluster obtain knowledge about the hospitality and tourism industries from challenging curricula, acquire technological expertise required in the field and participate in daily tasks that utilize the skills mandatory for hospitality and tourism professionals

The Career Tech Student Organization for this cluster is Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students participating in this career pathway have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in ServSafe Certification.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Careers in this cluster include:

Chef
Hotel Management
Chocolatier
Travel Agent
Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment Management

Human Services

The Human Services Career Cluster encompasses multiple pathways with a variety of educational opportunities. A variety of courses are offered through our schools in this program area including Family and Community Services (FACS); Fashion; Food & Nutrition, Wellness, and Dietetics and Cosmetology.

The Career Tech Student Organization for Cosmetology is SkillsUSA, whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The Career Tech Student Organization for Family and Consumer Services Programs is Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students participating in this path may have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark either a ServSafe Certification or a Certified Guest Service Professional Certification.

This career cluster is offered at the following high schools:

Middle Schools that offer a Middle School Human Services curriculum are:

Information Technology

Information Technolopgy

This cluster prepares high school students with essential knowledge and skills for pursuing careers in the following three pathways: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure, Information Technology Support and Services, and Computer Science.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Careers in this cluster include:

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

This cluster prepares high school students for careers in the law and public safety field in four pathway areas: Correctional Services, Emergency and Fire Management Services, Law Enforcement, and Legal Services. Rigorous instruction is provided to equip students with knowledge and skills needed in preparation for credentials, articulated credit, and/or further education.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Foley High School

Careers in this cluster include:

Police Officer / Sheriff’s Deputy
Criminal Investigator / Detective
Crime Scene Technician
K-9 Officer
State Trooper
Border Patrol Agent
FBI

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing cluster provides the knowledge and skills to equip students for careers in additive manufacturing, industrial maintenance, electronics, manufacturing, precision machining, and robotics. These courses include significant technical depth, engineering concepts, and terminology. The Manufacturing cluster provides a safe and appropriate setting for student exploration and achievement. Students gain knowledge and skills through an active, structured, and stimulating environment coordinated with simulated workplace learning experiences. The Manufacturing cluster learning environment utilizes a variety of physical spaces to stimulate the development of effective cognitive and psychomotor skills. Students experience a wide range of hands-on activities based on authentic representations of expectations found in the workplace. Theory and concepts are taught in proportion to the need for strong application opportunities with an emphasis on timely learning experiences that facilitate the transition to skills attainment. Safety, proper tool use, and adherence to procedures are integral components of all student learning experiences.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Careers in this cluster include:

Marketing

The Marketing cluster is designed to provide students with an overview of in-depth marketing concepts. Students develop a foundational knowledge of marketing and its functions, including marketing information management, pricing, product and service management, entrepreneurship, and promotion and selling. Students examine the need for sales and marketing strategies. Students practice customer relationship skills, ethics, technology applications, and communication in the workplace. Sales Promotion Planning provides the tools necessary for the development, implementation, and management of promotional programs. The focus is on utilizing promotional knowledge and skills for communicating information to achieve the desired outcome. In addition, students learn ways in which technology, globalization, and regulatory issues affect the day-to-day operation of businesses. Information is provided regarding credentialing or certification.

Students in this cluster affiliate with Future Business Leaders of America.

The foundation courses, Business Essentials or Business Technology Applications, may be offered to all students in grades nine through twelve. Although not required, students are encouraged to take one of these courses before entering a pathway.

Students participating in this career cluster have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in a variety of certifications depending on the offering at the base school: (MOS) Microsoft Office Specialist, ASK Institute, Concepts of Entrepreneurship and Management, and Certified Guest Service, Professional.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Careers in this cluster include:

Online Merchant
Market Research Analyst
Wholesale Buyer
Entrepreneur

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

All of our high schools below offer engineering pathways that provide students with the opportunity to gain experience with general engineering design and application as they acquire discipline-specific knowledge that allows them to make informed career choices. Students choosing to enter this cluster should realize the close relationship of mathematics and science to the engineering and technology disciplines and expect to regularly apply mathematical and scientific principles throughout the courses in this cluster. They enjoy challenging curricula involving practical applications of engineering principles and technological literacy. Knowledge gained by students in this cluster includes science and mathematics principles applicable to engineering and engineering-related careers. The structured, yet active environment stimulates students’ creativity and helps them develop the necessary skills for future employment.

Students in this cluster affiliate with the Technology Student Association (TSA) as the Career Technical Student Organization. TSA provides additional opportunities that enhance classroom instruction, develop leadership skills, and promote career development.

Students in these pathways have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in either Autodesk Inventor Certification or Solidworks Certification.

This cluster is offered at the following schools:

Middle Schools that offer STEM Career Technology programs:

Careers in this cluster include:

Aerospace Engineer
Mechanical Engineer

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Learning activities simulate types of work environments students may encounter, which include opportunities to gain knowledge and skills through coordinated workplace learning experiences. The classroom and laboratory for this cluster provide a safe and appropriate setting for active, structured, and stimulating student learning and assessment. Safety, proper tool uses, and mechanical procedures are some of the important components of student learning.

The Career Tech Student Organization for this cluster is SkillsUSA whose activities help students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Students participating in these programs have an opportunity to earn a Career Ready Benchmark in ASE (Automotive Service of Excellence) Certification.

This program is offered at the following schools:

Baldwin Preparatory Academy

Careers in this cluster include:

Automotive Service Technicians (Managers)
Diesel Mechanic
Rail Car Repairers
Supply Chain Manager
Dispatcher