Career and Technical Education or CTE includes training that prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand jobs. CTE programs provide students with academic knowledge, technical skills, and work-based learning experiences needed to succeed in the workplace.
The CTE program at Frenship ISD is extensive and offers top career training for students. At Frenship High School, students can pursue academic pathways in 26 different CTE state-aligned programs with over 90 courses to choose from.
While several of these CTE programs at FHS fall into the Business and Industry Endorsement, the courses offered expand across several industries. Students at Frenship can take classes in marketing, sales, accounting, graphic design, and multimedia arts.
Rachel Albritton, Frenship High School Business, Marketing and Finance Teacher stated that the hands-on curriculum gives students a solid foundation withing their chosen industry makes them more marketable to employers.
“Our business classes within CTE can empower students to become entrepreneurs and pursue ventures with an understanding of business and marketing,” said Albritton. “I have many students who have graduated after taking my marketing courses and have the skills necessary to work in a marketing department for a company.”
At Frenship High School, the CTE students are learning from with real-world industry knowledge. Albriton has 15 years of experience in marketing and sales before deciding to pass her knowledge and experience to the next set of entrepreneurs.
“One thing I love about teaching my courses is that I can relate each lesson to a real word situation. I can make my lessons relevant and helpful for students to use in their professional lives,” said Albritton. “I have one student who graduated in 2020 who is about to open his own insurance agency. It's rewarding to see students following their own business paths and knowing I was a part of their education.”
The CTE program at Frenship offers flexible career pathways that cover a wide range of industries. Within the same graduation endorsement, students can find a passion in digital media and communications.
Jourdan Diaz, a digital media student at Frenship High School, stated that he found his passion for filming and editing videos in this Audio and Video 1 class.
“I came into class thinking this will be fun with cool little projects,” said Diaz. “But when I started paying attention to the possibilities of everything I can do, it really piqued my interest.”
Students enrolled in digital media courses learn photography, videography, editing and composing videos, podcasting, and broadcasting live sporting events. These students learn by getting their hands on the cameras, working live events, and publishing comprehensive projects. The Frenship.TV program uses students to fill critical roles in the live sports broadcasts.
Diaz stated that every class is memorable, but the atmosphere in the classroom before they head off to film a live game is unmatched. He also stated that the final product after a project is one of the most rewarding feelings.
“When I press record, on the camera it can look a little boring,” said Diaz. “My favorite part is to out it an editing software and really see it all come together.”
Frenship is proud to offer an extensive CTE curriculum that truly prepares students for future careers and submerges them into real world applications. Students in the Audio and Video courses can earn certifications in various Adobe Crest Suite programs, while BIM students can earn the Microsoft Office Specialist Word Certification.
Additionally, students can continue to enhance and refine their skills by competing with various career-oriented student organizations. Business students can participate in DECA or BPA, while Arts and AV students participate in SkillsUSA.
Getting involved in CTE classes gives students a great place to find mentors in their area of study and connections within the industry for after graduation. Albritton recommends that students should find CTE classes that interest them and embrace the hands-on experience.
“You will be able to work with real world tools, equipment, technologies and trends,” said Albritton. “CTE is an amazing program and an investment in your future! Enjoy discovering and developing your skills in preparation for a fulfilling career.”
Celebrating CTE month is the perfect opportunity for Frenship to highlight the hard work put into the program by both students and staff. “I love celebrating CTE month because it shows how CTE has a positive impact in the students' lives and our community,” said Albritton.
Stay tuned throughout the month of February as Frenship celebrates Career and Technical Education Month!