Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE)

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs and pathways allow students to apply mathematics, science, and communication competencies in laboratory and occupational settings that develop specific technical skills applicable in broad concentration areas. Curriculum incorporates Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) in all content areas.

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education at Pickens County School District aims to engage students in cutting-edge, grade-appropriate career exploration and preparation opportunities that set them up to excel in postsecondary education and productive careers.

The hallmarks of CTAE programming are an industry focus and emphasis on technology. These are incorporated into several aspects of the CTAE experience:

  • Career, Technical and Agricultural Education at Pickens County School District aims to engage students in cutting-edge, grade-appropriate career exploration and preparation opportunities that set them up to excel in postsecondary education and productive careers.

  • The hallmarks of CTAE programming are an industry focus and emphasis on technology. These are incorporated into several aspects of the CTAE experience: Hands-on lab activities and classroom instruction encourage critical thinking, innovation and collaboration.

  • Career & Technical Student Organizations like Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Career Technical Instruction (CTI), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Future Health Professionals (HOSA), Skills USA, and Technology Student Association (TSA) build leadership and community.

  • Career related education, including guest speakers, job shadowing, and internships provide authentic experiences for student learning and growth.

Students are encouraged to pursue pathway completion, which entails taking a sequence of courses in the same industry cluster. Upon completion of a pathway students are eligible to take an assessment leading to an industry recognized credential or certification (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant, Microsoft Office Specialist, OSHA Certification). In addition, their participation in co-curricular student organizations, and work-based learning enables them to leave high school with tangible marketable skills and documentation of their capabilities, as well as greater understanding of the college and career paths related to their chosen industry.

Currently, Pickens County School District offers the following CTAE career clusters:

  • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

  • Architecture and Construction

  • Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications

  • Business, Administration, and Management

  • Hospitality and Tourism

  • Education and Training

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics - STEM

  • Healthcare Science

  • Information Technology

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Additionally, we offer 16 pathways within these career clusters:

  • Food Animal Systems

  • Forestry/Wildlife Systems

  • Plant and Floriculture Systems

  • Agriculture Mechanics Systems

  • Poultry Science

  • Carpentry

  • Electrical

  • Audio-Video Technology and Film

  • Business and Technology

  • Culinary Arts

  • Early Childhood Care and Education

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Allied Health and Medicine

  • Sports Medicine

  • Game Design

  • Law Enforcement Services/Criminal Investigations

CTAE Pathway Videos