Career Technical Education (CTE)

Career Technical Education (CTE) at Central Coast High School
Career Technical Education (CTE) gives students hands-on learning experiences that connect the classroom to real-world careers. Our three CTE pathways prepare students for both college and career by teaching industry-specific skills, building professional habits, and offering opportunities like internships and certifications.

Career Foundations 1
Career Foundations is a practical, introductory course designed to help high school students explore career pathways and develop essential skills for future success in the workforce. Through hands-on activities, self-assessments, and real-world projects, students identify their interests, strengths, and goals while learning about a variety of career options and educational opportunities. The course also covers job readiness skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, workplace communication, financial literacy, and professionalism. This is a yearlong class and students will create personalized career plan and gain the tools needed to make informed decisions about their future.

Career Foundations 2

This second-year Career Foundations and Work Experience course builds on foundational skills developed in the first Career Foundations and Work Experience Education Course and is designed to guide students through more advanced career preparation, financial literacy, community engagement, and postsecondary planning. Students will develop and refine practical tools for success in work, education, and life, while building a clear, actionable pathway to their desired future.

Culinary Pathway

Students learn the essentials of cooking and the foodservice industry from safety and sanitation to preparing breakfasts, salads, soups, sauces, vegetables, grains, baked goods, and beverages. Through hands-on labs, guest speakers, and real-world projects, they build skills in both culinary techniques and professional practices. Culinary 1 introduces the basics, while Culinary 2 allows students to advance their skills and prepare for entry-level jobs, post-secondary programs, or careers in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation industry.

Education Pathway
This two-year pathway introduces students to careers in education through classroom learning and hands-on practicum experiences at local schools and youth programs. Students explore child and adolescent development, the history of education, health and safety, culturally responsive teaching, and family partnerships which builds skills for future roles in teaching and youth services.

Hospitality Pathway

Students explore California’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry through hands-on projects, industry scenarios, and potential internships. They learn customer service, event planning, hotel and restaurant operations, and food safety. This builds skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Graduates leave prepared for entry-level jobs, internships, or further education in hospitality.