CTE and Career Counseling

Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares students to be college and career-ready by providing core academic skills, employability skills, and technical, job-specific skills. CTE features high school, postsecondary, and industry partnerships, enabling clear pathways to certifications and degrees. POLAHS offers six CTE pathways that students may elect to participate in, alongside their general education curriculum, over a two-year period: 

Introduction to CTE: Survey course required for all freshmen. Students are familiarized with the CTE program pathways and the history of the Port of Los Angeles. 

Marine Transportation: Students master sailing, navigation, boat-building, and seamanship through workshop instruction and sail training. Certifications include Red Cross CPR; First-Aid; and U.S. Coast Guard STCW through El Camino College.

Graphic Design: Students design and produce print and electronic media. Students work in teams to complete a professional graphic design project for a local community business. Students complete the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam. POLAHS' Graphic Design pathway is Linked Learning Silver Certified.

 

Digital Photography: Students learn the operations and functions of a digital single lens reflex camera. Students will explore the history of photography, and master portrait photography and post-production. Students learn image techniques and digital manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Students complete the Adobe Certification Associate (ACA) exam in Photoshop. 

Construction: Students are equipped for employment and postsecondary education in the residential and commercial construction industry. Students earn college credit and certification by completing an advanced Construction Technology class through El Camino College.

 

Video Production: Students learn how to produce videos, operate technical equipment, and explore video game development, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Students earn certification in Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), which can lead to employment in the television and film industries.

 

Welding: Welding was introduced as a brand new pathway in fall 2019. In the maritime field, modern sailboats and yachts have many components that are made out of metal and, therefore, require welders to make the part and repair them (e.g. swim ladders, railings, pulpits, and rod holders). In addition, most vessels have metal hulls, and structural repairs require onboard welders. Many other waterfront elements require welders, including cranes, chassis, and pipes. Outside of the maritime field, welders are needed in the automotive, manufacturing, construction, and building industries. Students will become certified by the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER) in Core Curriculum.