The Connecticut Technical Education and Careers System (CTECS) provides the opportunity for Connecticut's high school students to get a jumpstart on their construction careers.
The Architecture and Construction cluster provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills for entry-level employment in the residential, commercial and industrial construction areas or in post-secondary institutions. CTECS students concentrate their studies and receive a Career and Technical certificate in one of the following programs Architecture, Building and Civil Construction, Carpentry, Electrical, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Landscape Design, Installation and Equipment, Masonry, Plumbing and Heating, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.
Graduates earn a Connecticut high school diploma, CTE certificate in their field of study and multiple stackable credentials giving them the “competitive edge.” These credentials include but are not limited to state occupational licensure, national technical skill competency certifications and industry-recognized credentialing.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a part of the CTECS Student Workforce. WBL allows a student to work for an employer during their trade instructional time. Students not only receive credit toward their career technology, but also get paid. Available at all CTECS schools, WBL fosters workforce readiness skills, such as punctuality, preparedness, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, facilitating a smooth transition from school to work.