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Career and Technical Education (CTE)
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an innovative educational pathway that combines challenging academics with hands-on, real-world learning. CTE prepares students for success in college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, and industry by developing both technical expertise and essential workplace skills.
Beginning in 10th grade, Pittsburgh Public Schools students can explore career pathways aligned with their interests while earning industry-recognized certifications, college credits, and valuable work-based learning experiences. Students learn from experienced educators and industry partners using current technology and equipment that reflect today's workforce.
Whether a student's goal is to enter the workforce after graduation, continue to college, or pursue specialized training, CTE provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world.
The Benefits of CTE
Students who complete a CTE program graduate with more than a diploma. They gain valuable experience, industry-recognized credentials, college credits, and professional connections that help them stand out whether they choose to enter the workforce, attend a two-year college, or pursue a four-year degree.
CTE students are better prepared to meet the demands of today's evolving workforce while building a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Explore Our Programs
Pittsburgh Public Schools CTE Programs
PPS offers Career and Technical Education pathways in a variety of high-demand industries, including:
|
CTE Program |
School Building |
Industry Certifications |
|
Automotive Body Repair |
Pittsburgh Brashear |
Auto Service Excellence (ASE) – Collision Repair; Safety and Pollution Prevention (S/P2) – Collision Repair and Refinish Safety; Motor Oil; Lifting it Right; OSHA |
|
Automotive Technology |
Pittsburgh Brashear |
Auto Service Excellence (ASE) – Automotive Mechanic; Safety and Pollution Prevention (S/P2) – Automotive Service Safety, Service Pollution Prevention, and Motor Oil (Valvoline); Lifting it Right |
|
Business Administration, Sports & Entertainment (BASE) |
Pittsburgh Westinghouse |
Microsoft Office Specialist [Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint]; OSHA |
|
Carpentry |
Pittsburgh Carrick & Westinghouse |
American Ladder Institute Certifications; Safety and Pollution Prevention S/P2 – Construction; OSHA – Construction |
|
Cosmetology |
Pittsburgh Perry & Westinghouse |
PA State Board of Cosmetology License; Safety and Pollution Prevention S/P2 - Safety and Pollution Prevention – Cosmetology; Barbicide Certification |
|
Culinary Arts |
Pittsburgh Carrick & Westinghouse |
ServSafe Manager Food Safety; ServSafe Food Handler; Safety and Pollution Prevention (S/P2) – Culinary Food Safety; OSHA |
|
Early Childhood Education |
Pittsburgh Milliones |
Child Development Associate (CDA) Ready; Get Started with Center Care; First Aid CPR and AED Essentials; Mandated Reporter; OSHA |
|
Emergency Response Technology |
Pittsburgh Westinghouse |
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness; National Incident Management System 100, 200, 700, 800; Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Professional; Public Safety Telecommunicator I; OSHA |
|
Emerging Educators |
Pittsburgh Brashear |
Paraprofessional; Act 31 – Mandated Reporter (Child Abuse); First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator; Suicide Prevention; OSHA |
|
Engineering Technology |
Pittsburgh Allderdice |
Autodesk Certified User; OSHA |
|
Entertainment Technology |
Pittsburgh Milliones |
Adobe Certified Associate -Illustrator, Video Premier, Photoshop; OSHA |
|
Health Careers Technology |
Pittsburgh Carrick, Perry, & Milliones |
Patient Care Technician (PCT); Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers; Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens; OSHA |
|
Information Technology |
Pittsburgh Carrick |
Microsoft Technology Associate - Networking Fundamentals; OSHA |
|
Machine Operations |
Pittsburgh Brashear |
National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS): Measurement Materials and Safety and Job Planning, Benchmark and Layout; OSHA |
|
Multi-Media Production & Coding |
Pittsburgh Brashear |
Adobe Certified Associate -Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator; OSHA |
|
R-HVAC (Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) |
Pittsburgh Allderdice |
Environmental Protection Agency 608; Safety and Pollution Prevention (S/P2)– Construction; OSHA |
Each program is designed in partnership with business and industry leaders to prepare students for in-demand careers and continued education after graduation.
Apply to CTE
Current Pittsburgh Public Schools students may apply to Career and Technical Education programs beginning in 9th grade for enrollment in 10th grade.
Students and families are encouraged to speak with our career counselors and their school counselor to explore available CTE Programs and determine the best pathway based on their interests and career goals.
Discover Your Future with Pittsburgh Public Schools CTE
Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for success in college, careers, and life. Beginning in 10th grade, Pittsburgh Public Schools students can enroll in CTE programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning in high-demand career fields.
Through CTE, students develop technical expertise, earn industry-recognized credentials, gain college credits, and build the professional skills needed for today's workforce, all while completing their high school education.
Why Choose CTE?
CTE students benefit from:
- Hands-on, project-based learning
- Real-world problem solving
- Co-operative education opportunities
- Industry partnerships and mentorship opportunities
- Work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, and field trips
- Opportunities to earn industry certifications at no cost
- Dual enrollment and college credit opportunities
- Preparation for both college and high-demand careers
Students also strengthen essential workplace skills including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and technology skills.
Student Resources
- Cost free kits, certifications, Out-of-school experiences
Parent Resources
- Virtual Tour Link, CTE Translated Brochures, PPS CTE Social Media Links
Community Partnerships
- Partner4Work, UPMC, Allgheny Health Network, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, CIty of PIttsburgh EMS, Police, and Fire, PA Career Link, PA Department of Labor & Industry, Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, Community College of Allegheny County, Community Kitchen, SLB Radio, University of Pittsburgh, Bloom Hair, Skin & Body, Dollar Bank, Pittsburgh Paint Glass Industries
Now, more than ever, CTE is the smart choice for a sustainable and successful future. Apply Today!