What is CTE?

There is a growing need in the U.S. workforce for well-trained employees who are prepared with the 21st Century skills that businesses and corporations have identified as critical for the challenges of our global economy. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Virginia public schools prepare today's students for their future education and workplace experiences by offering quality hands-on learning in a "real-world" context.

The mission of CTE is to ensure that every graduate is prepared for the challenges of post-secondary education and the workplace. Workplace readiness skills emphasized within John Champe CTE programs include:

• critical and high order thinking

• collaboration and teamwork

• creativity

• personal and social responsibility

• communication

• decision-making skills and more!

CTE Program Areas

The Career & Technical Education department at John Champe High School consists of four program areas:

• Business & Information Technology

• Family & Consumer Sciences

• Marketing Education

• Technology & Engineering Education

All program area classes incorporate hands-on learning activities that actively engage students in applying knowledge to real world scenarios through project-based learning. Some courses also provide laboratory learning experiences, such as work in the school store, foods lab, preschool, production lab, research & design lab, and more. All students are provided with opportunities to earn industry certifications and credentials aligned with the state competencies for the course.