Frequently Asked Questions

CTE stands for Career and Technical Education, which are non-core/elective classes in high school. CTE classes applies the content of traditional classes of math, science, English, and social studies. CTE courses are engaging, hands-on, career preparatory, and develop everyday life skills.

In CTE courses, students learn basic skills and knowledge they will need in future careers. CTE classes also invite guest speakers to talk about the career field as well as explore careers through assignments and field trips. Students can figure out for themselves if construction, marketing, or robotics is a possible career path by actually doing what they would be doing in the industry. Leadership, creativity, teamwork, and problem solving are empathized skills in the CTE programs, which are necessary skills for college and careers.

Skilled trades are occupations that often requires trained workers to work with their hands and apply technology/skill in a particular area. Skilled trades include manufacturing, electrician, and construction. Attendance of vocational schools or apprenticeships are often required for someone to enter into the skilled trades. Skilled trades are in high demand in Michigan and are stable, profitable, and engaging careers. CTE courses enable students to be introduced to and interested in skilled trades.

The five school districts in Livingston County partnered through Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) to share CTE programs so that students can attend special classes at other districts. For example, if a student wants to enroll in a culinary program, but it is not offered at his/her school, then they can sign up to be take that culinary program at Howell. For more information, see your home high school’s course catalog.

There are certain classes and certain number of classes necessary to graduate high school. CTE courses fulfill some of the special credits/courses need. Common credits are 4th year math, Visual Performing Applied Arts, and Online Learning Experience. For more information about your school’s necessary credits, see your course catalog.

Credit for CTE courses are accepted at certain community colleges in the area. Students will often take a test for accreditation, which will be factored in with their performance in the class to earn college credit. Some CTE courses can count for high school credit as well as college credit. Post-secondary accreditation is different from Advanced Placement (AP) classes because only certain community colleges accept the credit and the student’s grade in the class is factored into the accreditation.