Prince William County Public Schools
Career & Technical Education Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) empowers students by fostering academic achievement, interests, skills, and authentic learning experiences for a thriving future in an evolving world.
Through four interconnected components, CTE programs provide students with opportunities to explore passions, build in-demand job skills through work-based learning, earn industry credentials, and more.
Competency-based instruction refers to the process of teaching and learning centered around the learner's ability to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills gained through a course of study.
Career and technical student organizations enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership and personal development, applied learning, and real world application.
Industry credentials are a third-party validation of a student's knowledge and skills in a particular program area.
Work-based learning provides students with authentic learning experiences with local business and industry partners.
Success by CTE
Joining a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program empowers students to explore their passions, gain hands-on experience with local industry partners, and earn valuable credentials for future success. It's a pathway to mastering in-demand job skills while enhancing leadership and personal development through real-world applications.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Meet Bronco, a Graduate of Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy
The Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy prides itself on not only preparing students for a thriving future, but also developing them as passionate, driven human beings. One such example is Bronco Deeds, Brentsville District High School alumni class of 2020, and current assistant superintendent at the Potomac Shores Golf Club.
Architecture & Construction - Building Trades
Success by CTE - Using Skills Developed in PWCS CTE classes, Former Students Thrive in their Careers
Manuel Velasquez-Dominguez, a Unity Reed High School graduate, and Joshua Vickery, a Patriot High School graduate, are thriving in their careers at a custom architectural millwork company, thanks to the skills and knowledge they acquired through CTE classes in high school.
Architecture & Construction - Electricity
An Electrifying Success - Apprenticeship Leads to Successful Career for PWCS Graduate
James Baumgarten is a hands-on learner. That is why he started an apprenticeship right after graduating from Patriot High School in 2016. He now has a successful career as an electrician and is thriving.
Health Science - Practical Nursing
Success by CTE: Meet Cindy, a Graduate of the Practical Nursing Program
From the Osbourn Park High School’s practical nursing program to school nurse Cindy Vega is a PWCS home-grown school nurse. After graduating from the Practical Nursing Program and working as a practical nurse for seven years, she is now a licensed registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and the school nurse at John D. Jenkins Elementary School.
Manufacturing - Welding
Success by CTE: Meet Erika, a Graduate of Potomac High School Welding Program
Ericka Cortez, Welder & Metal Fabricator at Color-Ad gained full-time employment right after graduation from Potomac High School welding program and living her career dream.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Career Success Star - Engineering (PLTW) Leads to Successful Career as naval instructor
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Office of Career and Technical Education celebrates former CTE students in their 20s and 30s recognizing them as the Commonwealth’s brightest Career Success Stars. The individual success stories are featured as video profiles highlighting how CTE programs provide academic and technical skills for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers.
Meet Lt. Matthew Nilsen, former Patriot High School graduate of class of 2014, now shines as a naval instructor.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics - Automotive Technology
Success by CTE: Meet Jose, a Graduate of C.D. Hylton's Automotive Technology Program
Jose graduated from the Automotive Technology Class at C.D. Hylton High School to become an apprentice at Prince William County Facilities and Fleet Management. PWCS is dedicated to developing students to be workforce ready when they graduate.
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