"I knew I loved to draw. That's about all I did in high school. I had notebooks full of drawings. I took a chance and enrolled in a Digital Design program in CTE and the lights turned on. I literally fell into it. I earned 12 college credits, graduated and went to work right away for a design firm that is literally paying for me to go to college. I'm in touch with my teachers and friends from CTE all the time and I'm working to open my own design studio. I never dreamed this was possible. I mean, I came from poverty. I literally had nothing. I can't believe I'm making money doing what I love every day."

Shelby

“I earned 12 college credits and one professional certification in my Health Sciences program.

I found my passion there. I got accepted into college and was a full semester ahead of my peers.”

Amber

01 — Yes, CTE!

CTE has changed. Cutting edge equipment. Industry professionals as trainers and mentors. Earn college credit in high school. Explore a wide variety of disciplines. CTE has evolved far beyond the perception of ‘basic shop class’ or ‘Voc. Tech.’

02 — What is a CTE Center?

As a high school student, you choose to enroll in Career and Technical Education programs because of the incredible opportunities they provide. Students learn about and use cutting edge equipment and technologies with professional mentor teachers who are deeply connected into their industry. CTE programs prepare students for college and a wide range of high-wage and high-demand careers.

Maine has 27 Career and Technical Centers available to high school students that also offer adult education courses. They are free to attend, included as part of your high school education.

03 — What if I don’t know what I want to study?

Careers may change but skill building carries on throughout life. In every CTE program you forge incredible industry connections while also building valuable skills and credentials that transfer into any career or hobby.

04 — Do I have to leave my high school and friends there?

No, you don’t have to leave your high school to enroll in a CTE program. CWCIT offers morning sessions for first year students and afternoon classes for second year students. You can attend you regular high school and CWCIT. Your CTE schedule will allow you to participate in your high school courses, and all high school extra-curricular programs.

05 — Hands-on, immersive. With peers who share your interest.

You learn by doing in CTE programs. They develop and work through projects while gathering related theoretical understanding and academic skills along the way. They come to see the skills that they are developing as critical to the success of their endeavors, so investment in learning is significantly increased. Modern technical education also places a great emphasis on the acquisition of ‘transferable skills,’ as students often go on to a great variety of continuing education and career experiences.