Career and Technical Education

The Automotive Technology program provides students with hands-on, project-based instruction in the automotive and diesel technology areas. Students apply skill-based knowledge to solve problems related to vehicle maintenance and complete repairs using hand, electrical, pneumatic, power and measuring tools. The Automotive/Diesel Technology program trains and prepares students for careers within the automotive and diesel areas but also gives them the basic skills needed to enter careers within a broad mechanical and electrical career cluster. Many of our former students have gone on to be Diesel and Automotive technicians, but just as many have chosen careers  in HVAC, Commercial  Refrigeration, Industrial and Commercial Electrics, Plumbing, and  Collision and Body Repair. Our overall program goal is to give your son or daughter the skills they need to become a problem solver. 

Schools: Springfield High School

Discover what it takes to make a business successful. Have a variety of business and computer classes to get you started on a path to personal or professional success in the business world.  Students will participate in team projects and simulations to explore the world of business and entrepreneurship.  Students will focus on preparing for their financial future by learning professional skills such as personnel management, planning, finance, and resource management.

Schools: Springfield High School, Thurston High School

Springfield Public Schools is only the third district in the state of Oregon to offer a Cosmetology CTE program.  Students enrolling in the Cosmetology program will learn hair, aesthetics and manicure/pedicure skills.  The course is aligned with community college standards and will prepare students to take the Board of Cosmetology Exam and enter the workforce.  Apply here.

School: Gateways High School, Brattain Campus

The Culinary Arts pathway provides students with the properties and healthfulness of a variety of foods. Students will practice foundational culinary techniques by working with these foods as well as learn industry level standards of catering, kitchen and food safety.  

Schools: Thurston High School

Digital Media Arts is a project-based program, which centers on developing skills in the use of industry standard multimedia hardware and software. The program is focused on static and time-based design, production, and editing, which includes the basics of visual communication such as color, illustration, and sequencing. Students in this program will become proficient and college/career-ready in graphic design, motion graphics, and digital video production.

Schools: Springfield High School 

Early Childhood Education is a Program of Study that teaches the knowledge and skills needed to understand child growth and development from prenatal to 12+ years of age.  Students will have opportunities to participate in our on-campus Child Development Center and complete multiple hands-on activities related to careers that work with children and families.

Schools: Thurston High School

A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Schools: Academy of Arts and Academics

Are you interested in helping people? Health Science Professions Program is dedicated to developing skilled, adept, and passionate health professionals that will be leaders in the healthcare industry. Our HOSA Chapter provides students real-world opportunities to learn health care skills through community service events, such as blood drives, school vision screenings, and CPR workshops.

Schools: Springfield High School

Engineering and Architecture are two career pathways associated with Drafting classes offered in the Springfield School District. Students also learn to read drawings and blueprints. Students apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to real world situations. Students use state of the art software including AutoCad, Revit and Inventor to meet Industry standards. Drafting classes offer dual credit for students taking these classes.

Schools: Springfield High School, Thurston High School

Engineering and Architecture are two career pathways associated with Drafting classes offered in the Springfield School District. Students also learn to read drawings and blueprints. Students apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to real world situations. Students use state of the art software including AutoCad, Revit and Inventor to meet Industry standards. Drafting classes offer dual credit for students taking these classes.

Schools: Springfield High School, Thurston High School

In the Manufacturing Technology Program students learn the manufacturing process. Production work in the program is designed to teach skills in teamwork, problem solving, and human relations. Students are exposed to and learn welding, cutting, and the safe operation of various metal working equipment including sheet metal equipment, grinders, band saws, drill presses, lathes, vertical mill, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling center and plasma cutting table.  The Manufacturing Technology Program prepares students for employment or post- secondary education in metals production occupations.

Schools: Springfield High School, Thurston High School

Students will apply basic marketing concepts (product planning, selling, promotion, and advertising) to real-world projects while learning how to develop marketing strategies that utilize social media for achieving business and marketing goals.

Schools: Thurston High School

The Natural Resource/Forestry program provides students an understanding of the environmental, economic and social importance of Oregon’s forests and watersheds.  Students will learn the hands-on principles behind sustainable forest management and watershed habitat restoration. The program curriculum includes visits to local river and stream sites, as well as exposure to career opportunities in the forest products industry provided in collaboration with local business and community partners.

Schools: Thurston High School

The performing arts pathway includes occupations involved in the creation, development and production of theatrical and musical performances. Includes workers at practice halls, studios and performance venues. 

Schools: Academy of Arts and Academics

Programming and Software Development provides students with the computational and thinking skills they need to be creators in a digital economy, and active citizens in our technology-driven world. Students will examine the world of Computer Science through activities such as web and video game design, coding in Python, Android app development, and the exploration of sensors and engineering, all while working in a fun, and exciting classroom environment. Students are also able to learn to build and program robots using LEGO Mindstorms and VEX robotics.  In the Competitive Robotics Club students apply their knowledge and skills, using student-built and programmed robots to solve game specific tasks. Put your “Metal” to the test and compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge!

Schools: Thurston High School