Career & Technical Education at NTPS
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The NTPS Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs focus on teaching and developing the industry skills and workplace attributes students need for success in today's (and tomorrow's) in-demand careers. Practical, hands-on student experiences make up a bulk of CTE instruction and practice. NTPS offers both exploratory and preparatory courses in 6 program areas, with more than 90 individual class options available. Industry-standard competency tests and certifications are built into our courses. Our CTE courses help students explore career options and prepare them for their next steps to college or university, industry apprenticeship, trade school, the military, or an entry-level career after graduation.
What does CTE look like in our schools?
























Your CTE Questions ... answered.
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What NTPS schools offer CTE courses?
All of our high schools and middle schools have CTE course options. We offer more than 90 different classes each year throughout the district.
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Can I earn college credit in high school CTE courses?
Yes! We have Dual Credit agreements for select classes with South Puget Sound Community College, Grays Harbor Community College, Pierce College, Bates Technical College, and Clover Park Technical College.
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Are there student-run business opportunities in CTE?
Yes! We have more than 25 student-run entrepreneurial businesses across the district, ranging from coffee stands to banner/shirt printing to tiny home construction to video production to turf farming. Our opportunities for students are growing each year!
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How does CTE instruction remain at industry standard?
All of the district's educators are members of at least one CTE Advisory Committee. Each advisory committee is a partnership between educators and industry leaders in that field. Committees meet multiple times per year to discuss industry trends, workplace skills, and current certification options.
The most current list of CTE Advisory Committees includes:
- Agriculture/Horticulture
- American Sign Language
- Automotive Technology
- Broadcasting & Video
- Business/Career-Choices
- Construction & Applied Technology
- Electronics
- Drafting
- Family & Consumer Science
- Marketing
- Commercial Art
- Robotics
- Sports Medicine
- Material Sciences
- Technical Theatre
- Welding
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Can I get CTE credit for working at a job?
Our Work-Based Learning program is available for students at all four district high schools.
Work-Based Learning is a learning experience for a student at an employer's worksite. While on the job, a student's learning experience consists of four elements:
- A planned program of job training/work experience supporting student's career goals.
- Acquire skills increasing in degree of difficulty.
- Exposure to a broad spectrum of employability skills.
- Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students: Contact your school counselor or a work-based learning teacher in your school to find out if you are qualified for the program.
CTE YouTube Playlist
Contact Us!
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360-412-4594
Brad Hooper
CTE Director
bhooper@nthurston.k12.wa.usChris Groen
CTE Instructional Specialist
cgroen@nthurston.k12.wa.usHollie Stone
Administrative Assistant
hstone@nthurston.k12.wa.us