CTE courses

This course is an introduction to automotive technologies and will provide a comprehensive study including hands-on repair of the automobile engine and brakes as well as innovative projects that will stretch student thinking. Service procedures for engine repair include engine diagnosis, removal and reinstallation; cylinder head and valve train diagnosis and repair; engine block assembly diagnosis and repair; and lubrication and cooling systems diagnosis and repair. Service procedures for brakes include hydraulic system diagnosis and repair; drum brake diagnosis and repair; disc brake diagnosis and repair; power assist units diagnosis and repair; and electronic brake, traction, and stability control systems diagnosis and repair.

This course will provide a comprehensive study, and align the student towards a career in the automotive industry. In this class we master the skills of scanner operation, brake systems, exhaust and emissions, NYS inspections, as well as wheels, tires, and wheel bearings. We focus on student centered live work on customer vehicles that offers real life experience in-house. The work-based learning experience for this course is a school-based enterprise.

This course will provide a comprehensive study including hands-on repair of the automobile engine performance system as well as innovative projects that will stretch student thinking. Mastery of skills includes general engine diagnosis; computerized engine controls diagnosis and repair; ignition system diagnosis and repair; fuel, air induction, and exhaust system diagnosis and repair; emissions control systems diagnosis and repair; and engine related service. The work-based learning experience for this course is a school-based enterprise and external cooperative education internship experience at a business in the community. This concludes in a national Automotive Service (ASE) exam, an industry recognized credential that certifies the student as an entry level mechanic.

This course is an introduction to barbering. Students will be introduced to all aspects of the barbering industry. The students will learn all safety and sanitation requirements for state licensure. Student will learn the basics in the following areas: workplace safety; health bacteriology, decontamination and infection control; anatomy and physiology; chemistry as applied to barbering; properties and disorders of the skin, scalp and hair; shampoos, rinses, conditioners and treatments; haircutting and shaping; shaving and facial massage; hairstyling; hair coloring; artificial hair; and procedures. Proper attendance is encouraged for all students considering licensure. Students are required to complete a total of 500 hours before they are allowed to take their NYS Barbering Exam.

Barbering students will continue their learning of the barbering industry. Students will continue improving their skills and techniques in haircutting and shaping, shaving and facial massage, and hairstyling procedures. Practice on customers and mannequins will be encouraged. Students are also introduced to state board procedures and business practices. Proper attendance is encouraged for all students considering licensure. Students are required to complete a total of 500 hours before they are allowed to take their NYS Barbering Exam. 

Students will train and drill on state board procedures. They are continuing the building skills in all aspects of the barbering industry. This portion of the pathway will have a focus on the career and financial management of the barbering business. Requirements include participation in work based learning opportunities with real customers in the barbering clinic, business within the community and the completion of a senior entrepreneurial project. Students are required to complete a total of 500 hours before they are allowed to take their NYS Barbering Exam.

This course is an introduction into the Construction Technology pathway. The course starts with learning basic hand and power tools commonly used in carpentry. Students learn about common building materials and wood products used in homebuilding and woodworking. Students will practice their skills by building small woodworking projects, which, after grading, are brought home. Students will also learn blueprint reading as it relates to homebuilding. This will be followed by basic floor, wall and roof framing concepts as they apply to residential construction. Students will build a scale model house, applying their knowledge from blueprint reading and framing, to bring together the basic concepts of how a real house is constructed.

Construction Technology II expands into larger scale building projects like a shed or auxiliary building and goes into more advanced building techniques. The large scale project is a group effort that integrates full scale framing concepts and techniques in floor, wall and roof framing. Additionally, this course will introduce students to other trade areas such as electricity, plumbing and masonry. Students build their own wall, then install wire circuits for switches and outlets, as well as make plumbing connections using copper, PEX and PVC. The wall will then be finished with sheetrock, as the students learn how to tape and perform sheetrock repair. Students will also learn about foundations, building layout and surveying. 

Construction Technology III gives students the opportunity to participate in work based learning, applying and building upon their skills in a real world setting. This involves working with local companies and businesses, participating in a pre-apprenticeship, or completing a campus based project. Additionally, students learn about energy efficient building principles and practices, including insulation, ventilation, and windows and doors. Students also learn about the finishing phases of homebuilding which include stair building, cabinets, and interior trim and finish work. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to enter the workforce or enter an apprenticeship program in the field of construction. Students will participate in a Cooperative Education internship with local businesses to apply what they have learned in class in a real world environment.

This course is an introduction to cosmetology. Students are grounded in theory as they study general science, hair care, skin care, nail care, communication and business skills. While students practice practical applications of all aspects of beauty culture, this course also emphasizes personal safety and sanitation. Cosmetology career opportunities are explored. Students are encouraged to continue the pathway to Cosmetology II and Cosmetology III to work towards the professional requirements to obtain licensure. To keep it fun and exciting, students get to participate in spa days, community service and presentations from guest speakers in the beauty industry. Attendance is a vital component since this course is measured in clock hours.

This course will provide a comprehensive study and practice of the knowledge and skills required to achieve NYS licensing competency, including hairdressing, beauty therapy, nail services and spa services. Students will learn all aspects of hair coloring from basic chemistry to color analysis and testing, state-required procedures, corrective techniques, advanced and specialized techniques, working with wigs, extensions and hair pieces and advanced haircutting techniques. Additional content includes barbering, facials, manicures, hair cutting, chemical relaxing and restructuring, wet hair styling and hair coloring and lighting. Skills in mathematics, science, biology, leadership and problem-solving are reinforced in this course. The work-based learning experience for this course is a school-based enterprise. Hands-on work experiences and leadership activities provide many opportunities to enhance classroom instruction and career development. 

This course will provide a comprehensive study and practice of the knowledge and skills required to achieve NYS licensing competency, including hairdressing, beauty therapy, nail services and spa services. This course will provide a comprehensive study and practice of the knowledge and skills required to achieve NYS licensing competency including hairdressing, beauty therapy, nail services and spa services. Students will continue with advanced haircutting techniques for adults and children, advanced skin care procedures, facials, advanced makeup and nail work. Students will also begin the transition to the workplace with studies of state regulations for salons, ethics, business plans and communications and placement in a work-based learning experience. The work-based learning experience for this course is a school based enterprise and co-op placement. Hands-on work experiences and leadership activities provide many opportunities to enhance classroom instruction and career development. Successful completion of the Cosmetology pathway and required 1,000 hours will qualify students to sit for the NYS licensing exam.

Students can receive 6 credits for Bryant and Stratton and Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in Troy (up to 500 cosmetology hours toward their NYS license).

This course is an introduction to culinary arts field. Students will explore the basics of culinary, safety and sanitation. Students will work in a professional kitchen and be exposed to the tools, equipment and techniques to be successful in the food service industry. Students will participate in catering events to practice skills such as food preparation, customer service and kitchen management. Students will take the ServSafe exam, an industry level credential that indicates proficiency in food safety and sanitation in a professional kitchen.

This course will build on the skills learned in Culinary I. Students will apply their learning of the foundations of restaurant management. By using the language and skills of the hospitality industry, students will gain practical experience in a restaurant-style kitchen. Students will learn how to use all industrial kitchen equipment; deep fryers, ovens, grill, broiler, meat slicers, food processors, dough mixers, dishwashing machines and coffee makers. Culinary II students will advance their baking skills and preparation of soups, salads, sandwiches and sauces. Catering events and other leadership activities will provide opportunities to enhance classroom instruction and career development. Students will refine their customer service skills by working with local chefs and community organizations to cost out food, create and prepare menus for catering functions.

Students will combine the knowledge and skills learned in the previous years to specialize in the hospitality industry. The third year student will rotate through the roles of baker, assistant cook, sanitarian and manager towards earning their Pro-Start certification. Students will take on a leadership role at catering events and other community activities. Students will participate in a cooperative education internship experience at local businesses in the community building on their knowledge and preparation as they enter the culinary arts field.

This course is the beginning of the Health Science pathway. It allows students to explore career opportunities in the health care field. Information about the most recent health care trends, jobs and industry information is imparted through the use of media, classroom activities, research projects and guest speakers. Using real-life scenarios and application-driven activities, students learn the responsibilities and challenges of being health care professionals and deepen their knowledge of various career options. In addition to building their understanding of technical concepts, students evaluate the qualifications required for specific careers and develop personal career plans to pursue work in the health care industry and extend their knowledge of oral and written communication in health science.

This course is for students who are moving towards a career in health care. Health Science II applies the skills and knowledge that were learned in Health Science I, while further challenging students to learn more about the health care field. Students will study medical terminology, infection control, interpersonal skills, and body systems. Students will also engage in hands-on medical techniques such as assessing vital signs, patient safety, and other entry level skills. Students will also have exposure to gain knowledge from guest speakers, as well as attending field trips. At the successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to enroll in Health Science III: Certified Nursing Assistant.

This course is the third and final segment of the Health Science Pathway. Health Science 3 provides students with a strong and comprehensive foundation in nursing skills and theory. Students also explore the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be successful in post-secondary programs. Students learn theory the first half of the year, then mid-year travel to various long-term care facilities where they perform hands-on care. Health Science III reinforces the academics learned in Health Science 1 and 2 as they pertain to the elderly. CPR certification is obtained. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) is a high demand occupation. CNA is a great entry level position into the health care system, as well as a part-time job for college students. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, students are eligible to take the New York State Nurses Aide Certification exam.