Career and Technical Education

Students who complete career and technical education programs are better prepared to make informed college and career decisions thanks to the real-world experiences they have in high school.

CTE Pathways

Apparel Tech Design
Want to learn about fashion design, being a stylist, merchandising and buying, journalism and directing? The Fashion Program offers students the opportunity to develop awareness of the wide range of career opportunities in fashion. Students learn concepts such as garment design and prototype development. An important goal of the program is to prepare students with entry-level job skills, and/or prepare them to gain acceptance into a fashion college. They will be assisted in preparing portfolios that are required, as part of the entrance requirement into a college fashion design program. They learn Color Theory, Fashion Illustration, Computers in Fashion, and have the opportunity to design and construct original garments.

Cosmetology
Are you passionate about hair design, nail care, skin care and wellness? The Cosmetology program trains students to gravitate towards a career in the salon/spa industry. Students who have a natural inclination to care for people tend to excel in the field of cosmetology. Upon completion of training, students will be eligible to take the New York State Board Licensing Examination in Natural Hair Care and Appearance Enhancement, which covers all areas of Cosmetology. While in training, students have an opportunity to practice their skills on clients in the community, work based experiences and in school. Once students obtain their licenses, they are qualified to provide a variety of personal services that help clients look and feel their best.

Graphic Arts
Want to learn about graphics, advertising and study Web Design as well as InDesign, Illustrator and Dreamweaver? Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, posters, brochures, nevsletters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today’s graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals. Designs can include: brochures, posters, magazine covers, magazine layout, tickets, business cards, T-shirts, signs, logos, book layout (typesetting), importing advertisements into a newspaper, websites, CD covers, Internet banners, flash animation, web interfaces, PowerPoint presentations, and more.

Vision Technology
Want to learn about eyes and how your vision works? Or the latest styles in eyewear, lenses and contacts that work? Vision Technology is a fast growing, lucrative field with many options and opportunities. The graduates from the program are in high demand. Places of employment (which include doctors’ offices, hospitals and business establishments specializing in eye wear) are always looking for well-trained and qualified individuals. Post-secondary education is another option open to graduates from the program. Just as businesses are looking for qualified individuals, colleges are also in search of students who are interested in studying to become eye-care professionals.

Barbering Program
W. H. Maxwell CTE High School’s Barbering Program is a brand-new, three-year course that will allow students to acquire the 500 hours required by the State Board of New York to obtain a license in barbering. During the program, students will complete barber theory, gaining an understanding of sanitation, sterilization, disinfection, barber law, shop management, and barber history. They will also gain the skills and techniques necessary to prepare them for a successful career in barbering. Students will learn the art of barbering, including shaving and hair styling techniques such as classic tapers, low fades, Caesars, beard trims, shape ups, scissor over comb, and more. In their senior year, students will be set up with internships and receive full preparation for the New York State Board exam. This program is designed to ensure that our students are set up for success in the profession and art of barbering.

Career and Technical Education programs offer you:

  • Classes that teach you skills you will need to be successful in work and life after high school.
  • Teachers who have worked in their career areas and who hold industry certifications and professional licenses.
  • Opportunities for you to earn industry-recognized certifications that can help you to prepare for internships and jobs while you are still in school.
  • Work-based learning experiences like career mentoring, workplace tours, job shadowing, and internships that will help you build professional skills.
  • School partnerships that help you meet adults who are working in the careers you are interested in learning more about.