CAREER and TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ENGINEERING
FIRE SCIENCE
FORESTRY / NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MACHINERY
ROBOTICS
WELDING
WOOD SHOP / CONSTRUCTION
VHS Natural Resource Management/Forestry/Fire Science Programs Highlighted in PACTEC Video
CTE Video - PACTTEC
PACTEC
PACTEC

Vernonia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Statement

At Vernonia High School, all Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are created to be inclusive and welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds. The district is dedicated to ensuring that admission and participation in CTE programs are not hindered by race, color, gender, national origin, disability, or lack of English language skills.

Vernonia High School offers Career and Technical Education programs with the following focus areas:

  • Natural Resources

  • Engineering

  • Welding/Fabrication

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing

  • Digital Arts (program currently being developed for the 2025-26 year)

Our VHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer numerous benefits to our students and communities:

Career Readiness: Our CTE programs are not just about theoretical knowledge, they offer students practical, hands-on experience and technical skills that directly prepare them for the workforce. This includes training in fields such as forestry, land management, construction, engineering, welding, fabrication, visual design, and more.

College Preparedness: While not all VHS students may opt for a traditional four-year college degree, our CTE programs often offer pathways to further education, such as vocational schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships.

 

Engagement and Motivation: Our CTE programs provide practical, real-world applications for learning, making education more relevant and motivating, especially for students who find traditional academic subjects abstract and disengaging.

 

Reducing Dropout Rates: Research has consistently shown that students enrolled in CTE programs are more likely to graduate from high school than those who are not. The hands-on nature of VSD CTE program options provides a sense of purpose and direction for students who may otherwise struggle academically, offering a beacon of hope for their future.

 

Meeting Workforce Demands: CTE programs help address skills gaps in various industries by producing a pipeline of trained and qualified workers toward high-wage- high-demand jobs in Columbia County and across Oregon. This is particularly important in sectors experiencing shortages of skilled labor, such as Welding, Manufacturing, Carpentry, and Visual design.

 

Building Partnerships: VHS CTE programs collaborate with local businesses, industry professionals, and community organizations to provide students with internship opportunities, mentorship, and real-world experiences. These partnerships benefit both students and the local economy.

Personalized Learning: VHS CTE programs offer a range of pathways and elective courses that allow students to explore their interests and talents, catering to diverse learning styles and career aspirations.

 

Promoting Equity and Access: VHS CTE programs help close the opportunity gap by offering underserved students access to high-quality education, skills training, and career paths that lead to economic mobility.

 

The Vernonia High School CTE programs are crucial in preparing our students for success in their chosen careers and further education while meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce in Oregon.