After great anticipation, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) informational gallery was held on Tuesday during lunch in the second-floor hallway. CTE is a project-based learning program aimed at giving students comprehensive and specialized training in well-paying and high-demand careers. CTE offers eight unique programs for students: automotive technology, business, computer science, cosmetology, culinary, engineering, health science and homebuilding.

Jonah Klein, senior, is currently enrolled in the CTE homebuilding program.

“I went into homebuilding, not knowing what it was going to be like, not even knowing where the house was being built,” Klein said. “And within the first week, I was moving up the ranks. The coaches who teach us are awesome. They’re extremely helpful.”

Tom Pachera, the current CTE director for AAPS, emphasizes the real-world opportunities and recognition that the programs provide.

“The career and tech ed programs can help students decide what they want to do in their future,” Pachera said. “That’s not something you get in all the regular academic classes.”

Tyler Ray, promoting the computer science program, mentions the debt-free career opportunities CTE offers: “what I love about FAME is that it’s an alternative to a four-year degree. So with this, versus a four-year degree, you come out with a job, you come out debt free.”

CTE programs are not just about education, they are about empowerment and discovering what works for your aspirations.