students working on car

Trade and Industrial Education

Career and Technical workforce courses designed to prepare students for a career or postsecondary education.

Trade and Industrial Education provides preparation for entry into skilled trades and service occupations that involve designing, producing, processing, assembling, maintaining, servicing, or repairing any product or commodity. Specialized training includes job shadowing, internships, and on-the-job training in all program areas. Industry-recognized certifications and licensure, internships, and college credit are available for many students. Classroom experiences are enhanced through high-tech lab activities.

Student Organization

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the recognized student organization for trade and industrial programs in the Virginia. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. It helps each student excel. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

To learn more about SkillsUSA please visit the local, state, and national website for additional information and opportunities.

Work-Based Learning

Students enrolled in T&I courses may participate in many varied and course specific work-based learning opportunities. This allows students to develop skills and gain experiences that will prepare them for the future. Some of these activities include:

  • Fairfax County Division of Vehicle Services offers an internship for Automotive students to gain real world work experience maintaining ambulances, police cars, and other county vehicles.
  • The Residential Construction students build a single-family home each year.
  • All students enrolled in Cosmetology programs perform salon services for customers including students, staff, and community members.

Courses:

Descriptions and Objectives are available in the FCPS Course Catalog.

  • Automotive Collision Service 1
  • Automotive Collision Service 2
  • Automotive Collision Service 3
  • Automotive Technology 1
  • Automotive Technology 2
  • Automotive Technology 3
  • Carpentry 1
  • Carpentry 2
  • Carpentry 3
  • Construction Tech 1 – Spring Village Residential Construction Site
  • Construction Tech 2 – Spring Village Residential Construction Site
  • Cosmetology 1
  • Cosmetology 2
  • Cosmetology 3
  • Criminal Justice 1
  • Criminal Justice 2
  • Electrical Construction and Engineering 1
  • Electrical Construction and Engineering 2
  • Electrical Construction and Engineering 3
  • Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration 1
  • Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration 2
  • Professional Photography Studio 1
  • Professional Photography Studio 2
  • Professional Television Production 1
  • Professional Television Production 2
  • Professional Television Production 3

Related Pages

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CTE Industry Credentials

Many CTE courses prepare students for industry certification opportunities.
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Academies and Specialized Programs

Our high school advanced technical and specialized elective courses are available at the High School Academies for students interested in pursuing coursework in a variety of options related to career pathways.

FCPS ACE Apprenticeship Programs

FCPS ACE offers Apprenticeship programs in electrical, HVAC-R, and plumbing. Our Trade & Industry programs feature a broad range of introductory classes for the homeowner, DIY-er, or anyone considering a career in the trades.
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The Basics: A Guide to Hiring Student Interns

The High-Quality Work-Based Learning Internship Guide provides employers with everything they need to consider when developing and implementing a high school internship program. Included in the guide are sections covering the basics of creating internship positions, the hiring process, management…

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee

Provides recommendations to the local educational agency (or board) on current job needs and the relevancy of career and technical education programs.

School Board Liaison: Kyle McDaniel
Staff Liaison: Whitney Ketchledge, Coordinator, Career and Technical Education, Department of Instructional…
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CTE Summer Academy

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Academy helps students build on their skills and explore career pathways. Students design their experience by choosing their classes. This camp is open to students currently in grades 6-11.