FAQs

"If you can think it, we can make it." - South Adams HS - Area 18 Precision Machine Technology

"Training students for real-life experiences with deadlines." - Jay County HS - Area 18 Graphic Design & Layout

"Taking Health Science Education to new heights." - Bellmont HS

"Power, Structure, and Technology - assisting today's farmers" - Jay County HS

Area 18 CTE Cooperative - Serving Adams, Wells, Jay, Blackford, & Huntington Counties in Indiana

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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.