Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Career Pathway ?
- What is the difference between a foundation and capstone level class ?
- What is the "Preparing for College and Career" class about ?
- Why is a Career Pathway important to me ?
- When should I choose my Career Pathway ?
- What Pathways are available at my school ?
- Are Career Pathways required ?
- Why are Industry Certifications important to me ?
- Why is college credit important to me ?
What is a Career Pathway ?
- A logical sequence of career related classes that begins in ninth grade. Usually the sequence begins with the "Preparing for College and Career" class followed with two or more career specific classes. There are usually 3 or 4 career specific classes that make up a Career Pathway. Student are provided opportunity to earn valuable college credits and/or industry certification while in high school.
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What is the difference between a foundation and capstone level class ?
- A "foundation" class is considered "intro" and provides students with prerequisite knowledge and skills, helping to better understand the career area. Foundation classes usually are 1 credit per semester classes and taken in the 10th or 11th grade. Capstone courses are extensive two or three credit per semester classes and provide students with classroom and lab experiences. It is in Capstone classes that students acquire technical skills while earning college credits and preparing for industry certification. Capstones are most often taken during the 11th and 12th grade year.
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What is the "Preparing for College and Career" class about ?
- This is the most important class in high school! In this class 9th grade students work to better understand their personal interests and abilities while evaluating various career programs available in the Area 18 Career and Technical Education network. It is during this class that students plan their personal plan for in school and career.
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Why is a Career Pathway important to me ?
- It is your educational plan-of-action that will hopefuly guide you to a high-wage job of your choice. The Career Pathway helps to efficiently and effectively match your career goals and aspirations with available school classes. It is the quickest way to enter the workplace to become a happy, wage-earning adult. Although the pathway plan does not guarantee workplace and educational success, it does increase the chances.
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When should I choose my Career Pathway ?
- The best time to choose a Career Pathway is sometime during the first semester of ninth grade while taking the "Preparing for College and Careers" class. The teachers should be able to assist students in determining personal interests, talents, and aspirations. Teachers will also make sure that students are made aware of the various career programs availble in the Area 18 Career and Technical Education network of schools.
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What Pathways are available at my school ?
- The best way to determine which Career Pathway Programs area available at your school is to take time to explore the navigational menu across the top of this webpage. Begin with Area 18 / Pathway Sheets and then move to your high school. Pathways at your school will be listed under "CTE-Home" and those available at neighboring schools are listed under "CTE-AWAY"
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Are Career Pathways required ?
- Career Pathways are not required, but they are highly recommended. We do understand how difficult it is to make a career choice at this stage of your life and it is possible to change your mind somewhere along the way.
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Why are Industry Certifications important to me ?
- Industry Certification is a "stamp of approval" given to those that are able to demonstrate mastery of the knowlege and skills necessary for success in entry level jobs. There are many Industry Certifications and they vary in difficulty based on the career area. One thing for certain is that an Industry Certification will show prospective employers that you have mastered entry level skills and take career development seriously.
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Why is college credit important to me ?
- Most career areas require additional education beyond high school. Earning college credit while in high school can save you substantial time and money. Most all Career and Technical Education capstone course content is aligned with college level career courses. The quicker you complete your training, the quicker you can enter the workforce and earn money doing what you like to do.
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