CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM GUIDE
What is CTE?
Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) offers robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students to be successful in life after high school. CTE is for ALL students — college or career-bound.
These programs prepare students for future success in a wide range of career industries and occupations. Every DCPS high school offers at least one career academy for students to explore their interests and passions while preparing for their next step after
graduation. A career academy is a sequence of specific elective courses that align to a career theme. Students can participate in a career academy all four years of high school, following a program of study in which course content builds and expands each year.
Courses match industry standards and equipment, ensuring students get relevant instruction and develop employability skills with the opportunity to become industry certified. Explore the 17 career clusters below.
CAREER CLUSTERS
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture & Construction
Arts, A/V Technology & Communication
Business, Management & Administration
Education & Training
Energy
Engineering & Technology Education
Finance
Government & Public Administration
Health Science
Hospitality & Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law, Public Safety & Security
Manufacturing
Marketing, Sales & Service
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Career Dual Enrollment
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offer CTE dual enrollment courses for DCPS students. There are no costs for tuition and instructional materials for students who enroll and participate.
Transportation is provided for students enrolled in programs located at the downtown FSCJ campus. To learn more, talk to your school counselor.
NEW FOR 2024-2025: COLLEGIATE CAREER ACADEMIES AT A. PHILIP RANDOLPH
Students can earn a career certificate from FSCJ while in high school. By enrolling in 9th or 10th grade, and successfully completing the program, students can earn both their high school diploma and a
college career certificate at graduation! Students must apply through the magnet choice process to participate. Programs of study offered: Medical Assisting and HVAC/R.
Industry Certification
Students in CTE programs graduate with tangible evidence of their knowledge and skills through earning industry certifications. Every CTE academy in DCPS offers students the opportunity to earn at least one industry certification. These are nationally recognized, developed by trade and industry organizations, and
earned through successful completion of a test with a certifying agency. Certifications validate the competency in specific knowledge, skills or processes measured against industry standards. Students can take the relevant exams for free while they're in a high school or in a dual enrollment CTE academy.
Duval Ready Diploma Designation
STUDENTS WHO EARN THIS DIPLOMA SEAL ARE “READY TO WORK!”
Duval County knows how important it is to prepare all students for life after graduation. That includes getting real-world skills with direct instruction. The Duval Ready Diploma Designation is a diploma seal that demonstrates a student's career readiness by completing modules on workplace topics such as professionalism,
communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The modules are completed through the Florida Ready to Work (FRTW) curriculum. Students demonstrate their mastery through a final capstone project in their senior year—a project that puts their skills to the test and makes learning real!
Florida Gold Seal Awards
CTE students may qualify for Florida Bright Futures Vocational Scholars (GSV) or CAPE Scholars (GSC) awards to help with postsecondary education expenses. These awards are based on a student enrolling in a career education or certificate program. To qualify, Florida high school
students must meet eligibility requirements that include high school academic achievement, community service and/or work hours, and standardized assessments.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Agriculture Associate Certification
Animal Science Specialist
Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional
FNGLA Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician
FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician
Water Treatment Plant Operator Level D
Studying agriculture at a young age can help students recognize how the industry impacts the world around them, identifying careers they may be interested in that create a better future for themselves and others.
Agriculture is not just a farming industry, there’s a wide variety of career opportunities outside of plant and animal science that include water reclamation, technology, and communications. There is also a large agri-supply industry
that focuses on research, marketing, and digital expertise.
In DCPS there are many career options that students can explore within our agriculture programs. The Veterinary Assistance program prepares students to enter the field of veterinary science with handson instruction in medical procedures and practices dealing with domestic pets. Students also learn agribusiness principles and how to care for livestock.
Landscape Operations
students learn horticulture principles in addition to field and ground maintenance, how to safely operate machinery, small engine maintenance and repair, and project management. Through the JEA Academy at First Coast High School, students learn environmental practices for water conservation and reclamation through lab experiments and site visits.
AGRICULTURE
Architecture & Construction
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) - Carpentry
HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) - Core
NCCER Electrical - Level 1 (Secondary)
The construction trade industry is an exciting field where skilled workers bring engineering plans to life, shaping our cities and communities. It involves various trades, such as carpentry, plumbing and eletrical, each requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. If students enjoy hands-on work, problemsolving, and seeing the
results of their efforts, a career in construction might be ideal. The JEA Academy at First Coast High School offers students the unique experience to study electrical or water treatment programs in order to pursue a potential career with the local utility agency. Additionally, the HVAC Collegiate Career Academy at A. Philip Randolph Career
Academies offers students the opportunity to earn a technical certificate and a high school diploma while studying within the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration career pathway.
ARTS
Arts, A/V Technology & Communication
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Adobe Suite - Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
WordPress Certified Editor
In today's world, art isn't confined to museum exhibits alone; it's seamlessly integrated into our everyday experiences through products, advertising, and interactive computer games. Meanwhile, audio and video technology quietly powers the captivating scenes of TV shows, blockbuster movies, commercials, and theater productions, engaging billions worldwide. Currently, DCPS students can explore courses in Digital Design, Audio/Video Technology, Communications,
Graphic Design, and more. Students can work towards earning industry certifications while increasing their skills around arts, A/V technology, and communication. With increased skills and knowledge coupled with recognized industry certifications, students can begin their careers immediately following completion of one of these programs.
Marketing, Sales & Service
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Adobe Suite - Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
WordPress Certified Editor
The marketing academies in DCPS offer a sequence of courses designed to ignite the enterprising spirit within each student by providing practical, hands-on experiences that mirror the realities of marketing, sales, and service. Through theoretical learning and realworld application, students explore business development, marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer
service excellence, cultivating critical thinking and problemsolving abilities, while gaining insight into market dynamics. Our programs foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering students to envision themselves as future business leaders and equipping them with the tools, mindset, and confidence to excel in an everevolving marketplace.
Education & Training
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
40-Hour Florida Department of Children and Families Childcare Facilities courses
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) -
Professional Education Test
WordPress Certified Editor
According to USA Today, schools are hiring more teachers than ever before. If students want to make a difference in the lives of children and are thinking about a career in education, there are two pathways to explore their passion and interest in this industry. The Early Childhood Education program focuses on the preschool years. Under the direction and guidance of their teacher, students will learn how children develop, create and teach interactive lessons, and
lead learning activities. All of this is done with our youngest learners who are enrolled in the on-campus preschool. Additionally, DCPS offers the Principles of Teaching program which exposes students to the various instructional strategies and planning tools needed to enter the field of education. Prospective teachers are given the opportunity to design and teach lessons, create interactive learning centers, utilize teaching strategies, and design assessments.
Business, Management & Administration
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional
Master Entrepreneurship Certification
(Requires Entrepreneurship & Small Business and Design for Delight)
Quickbooks Certified User
WordPress Certified Editor
Whether starting a business, following Wall Street, or selling the next big product to the masses, CTE courses in business introduce students to the benefits and challenges of todays competitive landscape. Students learn from experienced business professionals, engage in real-world projects, and gain invaluable experience in strategic planning, marketing, and finance. First Coast, Fletcher, Mandarin, Ribault,
Riverside, and Wolfson High Schools have an on-campus branch of the VyStar Credit Union that is fully operational and run by student interns! Our programs empower aspiring professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the dynamic realm of business, setting the stage for further education and fulfilling careers.
MANU
Manufacturing
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
AWS Certified Welder - FCAW Plate, SMAW Plate
MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
Humans are naturally inquisitive and creative. Almost every modern convenience was made or manufactured by someone or an automated system. Advanced Manufacturing Technology gives students the opportunity to design and make goods that can be used.
In order to develop these designs, manufacturing students will learn how to interview their target audience, evaluate the current market for a product, and collect feedback from current consumers. One of the career pathways within manufacturing that continues to be in high
demand is welding. Skilled welders work in various areas including automotive, aviation, building construction and ship building. Welders have shaped our nation and help drive our economy. Our welding programs provide students with hands-on training using state-of-theart equipment found on job sites throughout the country. Students can expect to learn and use STICK welders, TIG welders, MIG welders, fluxcored welders, shielding gas cylinders, consumable welding wires, welding clamps, oxyacetylene, and plasma arc cutting.
MANU
Engineering & Technology Education
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Autodesk Certified User - Fusion 360
Engineering Core Certification
For students passionate about designing, building, and problem-solving, the Engineering Academy can help transform your ideas into innovations! Our cuttingedge curriculum blends hands-on projects with realworld applications, guided by experienced professionals. Students gain access to state-of-the-art labs, industry partnerships, and collegelevel coursework. Whether it's robotics, electronics, or sustainable technologies,
we have something for every student. Utilizing modeling and simulation, robotics and circuitry, project management and programming, this program provides the opportunity to turn plans and drawings into something useful. It will ignite a student's potential and prepare him or her for a career in engineering with a program that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills.
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (G1)
ASE Entry-level - Auto: Brakes (BR)
ASE Entry-level - Auto: Electrical/Electronic Systems (EE)
ASE Entry-level - Auto: Suspension and Steering (SS)
ASE Entry-level - Collision: Painting and Refinishing (PR)
FAA Private Pilot
MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
Small UAS (sUAS) Safety Certification: Level 1
The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics career cluster represents an expansive industry which includes automotive repair, aviation fabrication and maintenance, drone operations, and logistics. If students love tinkering around with trucks and cars or if they find themselves watching every aircraft that flies by, they may want to consider a career in this
industry. Don’t forget that Jacksonville is one of the major logistics hubs in the southeast, attracting some of the largest carriers in the nation including Amazon, UPS and FedEx. These programs prepare students with transferable skills that can help them secure employment, even during high school!
GOV
Government & Public Administration
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATION:
PMI Project Management Ready
Civics literacy is fundamental to understanding our past and to shaping our nation's future. The Civics Careers Academy uses competency-based applied learning to develop and strengthen the leadership, problem-solving skills and higher-order reasoning needed to ensure students are ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Civically literate and engaged citizens are necessary to protect
democracy and fundamental rights. Classes utilize project management and experiential learning to prepare students for careers in government, public service, and communitybased organizations. The Project Management Ready certification introduces them to tools and skill sets that can be applied to virtually any career or industry.
Law, Public Safety & Security
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
Fire Fighter 1
The Fire Fighting and Criminal Justice Operations programs prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, and security. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, students explore topics like
criminal law, emergency response, and ethical decisionmaking. They gain practical skills through simulations, field trips, and job shadowing with local agencies. The program focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving,
teamwork, and communication skills essential for success in careers focused on public safety. Graduates are equipped for roles as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, forensic scientists, and more.
HEALTH
Health Science
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
Biotechnician Assistant
Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
HEALTHSCIENCE
Discover a world of opportunity in the Health Science career pathways offered in Duval County Public Schools.
From Allied Health Assisting to Electrocardiograph Technician, Exercise Science, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Biomedical Sciences, we provide students with a comprehensive curriculum to
lay the foundation for future studies in health careers. Engage in hands-on learning experiences with state-of-theart 3D anatomy and physiology tables, preparing students for real-world scenarios. Through job shadowing and clinical experiences in toptier hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical offices, and
emergency medical facilities, students have the opportunity to explore and excel in various healthcare professions. Join us on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
Hospitality & Tourism
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified Food Safety Manager
ServSafe® Certified Food Protection Manager
Discover the art of providing top-notch service and unforgettable experiences with our Hospitality & Tourism programs. Featuring multiple pathways, Culinary Arts involves the preparation, cooking, and presentation of a variety of foods. Courses prepare students for employment or advanced training in the food service industry. From mastering basic cooking techniques to creating gourmet dishes, students can learn and sharpen skills related
to food handling, safety and sanitation, recipe creation and conversion, nutrition, and much more. Another program currently offered is Hospitality and Tourism Management. This program teaches careers focused on lodging, recreation, entertainment, and catering to guests’ individual needs. Students will be able to engage with and tour local industries that serve Florida’s dynamic and growing Hospitality & Tourism industry.
Human Services
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Florida Barbering License
Florida Cosmetology License
Our Cosmetology and Barbering programs offer training in hair styling, cutting, coloring, and grooming techniques. Gain hands-on experience with professional tools, learn from industry experts, and work in a real salon environment. Students enrolled in the Barbering or Cosmetology program focus on curriculum and experiences that prepare them for a career as a barber, cosmetologist,
nail technician, or facial specialist. After completing the program, each student has the opportunity to sit for the Florida Barber and/or Cosmetology License through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and can leave high school ready to begin a successful and rewarding career!
Information Technology
POTENTIAL CERTIFICATIONS:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Tech+
Information Technology Specialist (ITS) - HTML, CSS, Phython, Java, Cybersecurity, Networking, or Software Development
Unity Certified User: Artist
Unity Certified User: Programmer
WordPress Certified Editor
The IT industry is the backbone of today’s digital society, driving innovation and connectivity across all sectors. In introductory level courses, students learn simple programming with tools like Scratch or Python, how computers work, and practice safe and responsible use of the internet. These courses help students gain the digital skills they need to be successful and
understand how technology affects their lives and the world around them.
High school students further develop their skills by diving into more complex topics. They might learn programming languages like Java or C++, work with databases, create websites, or develop mobile apps. Programs also focus on cybersecurity, including how
to keep networks safe and the basics of ethical hacking. Through hands-on projects, students apply their coding, design, and problem-solving skills. These courses help prepare them for college studies in computer science or related fields and for jobs in IT where being innovative and skilled with technology is important.
IT
SCHOOLS OFFERING CTE COURSES
CAREER CLUSTER PROGRAM Andrew
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Environmental
Landscape Operations
Veterinary Assisting
Architecture
Education & Training
Jackson*
A. Philip Randolph Career Academies*
Atlantic Coast Baldwin High*
DarnellCookman School of the Medical Arts*
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts*
Duncan U. Fletcher Edward H. White* Englewood First Coast
Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology* Jean Ribault* Mandarin Paxon School For Advanced Studies* Riverside*
Samuel W. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies and Leadership*
Sandalwood Stanton College Preparatory School*
Terry Parker Westside
William M. Raines*
VyStar
SCHOOLS OFFERING CTE COURSES
CAREER CLUSTER PROGRAM Andrew Jackson*
A. Philip Randolph Career Academies*
Coast Baldwin High*
DarnellCookman School of the Medical Arts* Douglas Anderson School of the Arts*
Duncan U. Fletcher Edward H. White* Englewood First Coast
Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology* Jean Ribault* Mandarin Paxon School For Advanced Studies* Riverside*
Samuel W. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies and Leadership*
Sandalwood Stanton College Preparatory School*
Terry Parker Westside
William M. Raines*
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) aligns CTE courses with work experiences. This approach lets students practice what they learned in the classroom in a real-world setting.
Student experiences take place both on- and off-campus, over short- and long-term periods. Examples include job shadowing and internships.
WBL requires cooperation between all stakeholders— student, parent/guardian, employer, and school district.
BENEFITS:
That collaboration links students to real-life work.
WBL includes active and meaningful work experiences designed to support students and includes a network of adults who can act as mentors in their work life.
All career academies incorporate work-based learning within their program, providing students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience.
STUDENTS DEVELOP PROFICIENCY IN TECHNICAL AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
MAY OBTAIN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT LEADING TO FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY
EMPLOYERS ARE ABLE TO CULTIVATE TALENT OF POTENTIAL LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES
PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROVIDE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO THE SCHOOL
OJT
On-the-Job Training
A high school On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is an academic elective. CTE and non-CTE students can participate in OJT which combines complete classroom coursework with practical, real-world work experience related to an identified career goal. For OJT, a student is allowed to leave the high school campus to work a paid, part-time job. Doing so lets them apply what they learned in the classroom to a real job. You should know that the key to OJT success is a positive relationship between all the stakeholders. When that happens, students are able to have a meaningful work experience while employers develop a welltrained future workforce.
(Specific authorization governing OJT is found within the State Board of Education, Administrative Rules, Chapter 6A-6.0571.)
Xello is Florida’s online K-12 college, career planning, and work-based learning platform. It offers tools designed to involve students in exploration and planning for life after high school.
Balancing life and education as a high school student, there’s a lot to learn. Though it may be difficult to imagine, your future is significant! You can make a roadmap to your future with the help of Xello. Discover who you are today — What do you like to do? What are you good at? Who do you want to become?
Explore careers you’ve never heard of and follow your curiosity to pathways that lead to unexpected places.
Designed to empower students on their educational journey through self-exploration and planning for life after high school, students will gain essential skills and knowledge to take that leap toward a thriving future. Xello’s online platform provides opportunities to network with professionals in career fields of interest, research local companies, and build a marketable portfolio
by incorporating Xello’s “About Me” platform, which highlights accomplishments, skills and other interests.
What are you waiting for?
Let’s get started. You can access Xello from your district-issued computer by clicking on the Blended Learning shortcut from your desktop, or through DCPS’ main webpage, click on the Blended Learning link, scroll down to Xello and click. That’s it!
Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) offer ways for students to explore career pathways, develop leadership skills, and engage in hands-on learning experiences outside traditional classrooms.
CTSOs offer career-focused clubs and organizations aligned with different industries
and careers. CTSOs guide students as they pursue their interests and passions working toward a successful future in their chosen field.
Every career academy is aligned with a CTSO. Check with your school to see which ones are offered and how to get involved!
BENEFITS:
CAREER EXPLORATION
HANDS-ON LEARNING
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
COMPETITIVE EVENTS
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
NOTIFICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The district’s career and technical education programs are open to all eligible high school students in the district and are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against or harassed in any educational program, services or activities, or employment conditions or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, genetic information or any other distinguishing physical or personality characteristics. The district also provides equal access to its facilities for Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Limited English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement testing and counseling, and, if necessary, provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.
PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2024