CTAE programs at Colquitt County High School surpass state graduation level
The program surpassed the state’s level with 98.3%
MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) - There is good news for Colquitt County High School students enrolled in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.
They surpassed the state’s average graduation rate for 2023.
“I’ve always been interested in mechanics and building stuff like woodworking, welding, and all that mechanic stuff. When I was in FAA, I found this class once I moved to the high school. And it’s just a very good hands-on class that can get me out of my chair, out of the desk, and working in the shop every day,” said Alaina Riley, 12th grade, Agriculture Mechanics pathway.
The goal of the CTAE Program is to find out what each student needs are in the workforce. One pathway that was added from input from the community is fire science. This program is being taught in partnership with the local fire department.
According to the director, this coming year, they will be adding virtual trainers in several other pathways to provide students with hands-on training using the latest technology.
“We’re bringing in more teachers from industry who have experience that can come into the classroom and give those kids the experience they need from an industry standpoint. This allows them to see the applications of what they are learning in the classroom and where it leads once they graduate,” said Chad Horne, CTAE Director.
Other pathways include architecture and construction, as well as finance and healthcare.
“I just really loved how in healthcare you can serve people. And just being in the sports medicine pathway has allowed me to combine my love for sports and my passion for that and put it into an area where I can serve and love on people,” said Sara Cooper, 11th grade, Sports Medicine pathway.
Students who choose a CTAE pathway will complete it in a year and a half. There is a high demand for the CTAE program for students, and organizers are considering adding more classes as the need continues to grow.
Colquitt County High School offers 13 career clusters with 22 pathways. Those pathways range from welding to sports medicine to healthcare.
Part of the pathways include internships as well. The CTAE director hopes students find their niche in each of these fields,” said Horne.
“Numbers for next year, our numbers are increasing drastically. We have more numbers than we do have space at this time which is a good thing.”
“To just be confident and do anything even though it might be male-dominated. Just be the one woman who joins ag mechanics and works with all the boys,” said Riley.
Students who choose a CTAE pathway will complete it in a year and a half. There is a high demand for the CTAE program for students, and organizers are considering adding more classes as the need continues to grow.
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