As students return to Segerstrom for the spring semester, a handful of students on campus have also returned to their CTE classes. Career Technical Education, or CTE, is an after school program offered by SAUSD, which allows students to gain skills in career based classes.
These courses are a year long. In the first semester we see students learning basic skills, practicing on mannequins, learning about infection control, getting CPR certified and much more. Later, when doing their internships at their offices, they will have the opportunity to use the skills they have learned in class and apply them to real world practice.
“I’m excited to learn about more hands-on work, because we’ve learned skills on mannequins in class, but it will be interesting to see how that transfers over when working on actual patients and how the process works,” said senior Alondra Macias.
Students at Segerstrom who are involved in internships will complete 150 hours in their offices while still balancing being a highschool student.
“It is definitely difficult because, like, I have all AP classes and we don’t leave until after six, so you really have to find time to balance all of your work. I have a free sixth period so I try to do my homework as much as I can,” said Macias.
Although difficult and time consuming, many are looking forward to gaining experience in fields that they are looking to build a career in. CTE courses allow students to explore different career paths as well as make connections and network. It is an opportunity that is built to help students start their careers as well as guide them as to what they can do to get there.
“I definitely do recommend it to other people, especially if you’re interested in any of the career fields that are offered. I took medical assistance last year and it inspired me to branch out and try dental assisting to see which one I am really passionate about,” said Macias.
CTE courses and internships are great ways for students to combine classroom learning and real world experience. These classes allow high school students the unique opportunity to prepare for the workforce.
