Salem High School’s comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) department is one of the few unique vocational programs in the state of Massachusetts with instructors who are well-respected masters in their technical areas. Salem High School is a comprehensive educational setting and one of the most flexible educational models available to secondary scholars in our society. Scholars are introduced to the CTE programs through the ninth-grade exploratory. This fast-paced, constantly evolving program presents introductory information from all nine CTE areas to scholars over their ninth-grade year.
Scholars then choose three areas of concentration and enter one of their choices for the remainder of the year. The acceptance into a program is followed by three years of progressively intensive study in their chosen field. During this time, the scholar is encouraged and directed to concentrate on the achievement of nationally recognized certifications and accreditations in their career area, including OSHA safety, entrepreneurship, and general post-secondary education and career skills, including emotional intelligence.
Pathway to Higher Education
All CTE scholars are on a direct pathway to post-secondary education in the form of an associate degree or higher. This career plan is accomplished through articulation agreements with multiple colleges and technical institutes in the U.S. CTE scholars are leaders and role models of the school and hardworking young adults who are risk-takers, life-long learners, and the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Salem High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides scholars with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in high-demand careers and to become lifelong learners. We focus on providing high-quality programs that are aligned with labor market demands and address career and college readiness goals, teaching real-world skills and competencies; such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, innovation, and communication.
The CTE Exploratory Program
The CTE Exploratory Program allows scholars to explore the technical programs offered at Salem High School. Scholars are immersed in each program and gain insight into career options available, post-secondary training, and the skills needed in each program. Through hands-on activities, they learn about safety, equipment, and trade terminology. This exploration allows scholars to develop independent ideas about their own interests.
The choices that young adults make in school have long-lasting impacts on their careers. A primary function of secondary education is to prepare scholars for post-secondary education and careers. The Exploratory and CTE programs in general provide them with the skills, knowledge, and encouragement they need to get the most out of their desired career path.
Scholars display higher levels of engagement and motivation when they have a clear understanding of what they want to do. Exploratory hones their focus so that they can make informed choices about their careers.