Career and Technical Education
The Port Angeles School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are dedicated to improving student learning by giving all students the opportunity to explore educational pathways and prepare for careers, thereby adding relevance to the student’s high school experience. CTE programs provide secondary students with the motivation to achieve high academic and industry standards, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully transition to life beyond high school.
Students who participate in CTE programs have unique scholarship opportunities. The WAVE program honors three CTE students from each Washington State legislative district for outstanding achievement in CTE. Those who are selected will receive grants for two years of undergraduate resident tuition and fees. The local Rotary Club selects ten students per year to receive a $500 scholarship toward higher education.
Several CTE courses are articulated with Peninsula College. If a student earns a B or better in these classes, he or she can earn college Tech Prep credit for them.
If you would like more information regarding CTE opportunities, please call the Port Angeles High School CTE office at 360.565.1611.
Career and Tech Education Programs
Accounting. Students in accounting will have the opportunity to acquire useful skills in the "language of business.” Students will become competent in completing financial records for a variety of businesses. The students will use traditional manual accounting methods and modern computerized accounting methods using Peachtree Accounting software. This class is recommended for any student who intends to pursue a career in accounting or business, as well as students interested in working in the business world.
Automotive Technology. Students enrolled in this class will be part of a nationally certified automotive program (NATEF and A-YES) that will prepare students to become entry level technicians in an industry where demand is very high. Students will learn the latest technologies of the automotive repair industry while preparing for post-secondary instruction or internship positions. Reading, writing, computer skills, laughing, team building, and family style camaraderie makes technical learning fun. Students can accumulate three college credits per year through an articulation with Peninsula College.
Business Procedures. Students will develop essential organizational skills and efficient office practices for today's rapidly changing business environment. This course provides students with an understanding of communication skills, time management, office etiquette, finances, resources, records, human relations, job seeking skills, and how to be professional in today’s office. The dynamics of current and future office technology, along with leadership, self-management, and safety, will be emphasized throughout the course.
Computer Technology. Students in the Computer Technology program explore computer programming, maintenance, and administration. Through a series of interactive, real-world based projects, such as maintaining a working computer lab and network, programming robots, and developing working websites, students learn the basics needed for success in the growing technology field.
DigiTools. Students in this series of classes may take Technical Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), and/or Architecture. This four year progression of drafting classes prepares students towards becoming civil engineers, mechanical engineers, drafters, and architects. Students will learn board drafting, computer drawing, architectural terminology, and learn how to sketch. Students who take the advanced architecture and drafting projects classes will develop working drawings for a variety of structures like garages, single and two story homes, and remodels.
Drafting. Students in this series of classes may take Technical Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), and/or Architecture. This four year progression of drafting classes prepares students towards becoming civil engineers, mechanical engineers, drafters, and architects. Students will learn board drafting, computer drawing, architectural terminology, and learn how to sketch. Students who take the advanced architecture and drafting projects classes will develop working drawings for a variety of structures like garages, single and two story homes, and remodels.
Machine Tool Technology. Students will learn employment skills for the manufacturing industries as machinists, tool makers and machinery repairman. The Machine Tool Technology program teaches basic skills required to operate conventional and computer-controlled machine, perform precision measurements and to read and properly interpret blueprints. This program articulates with Bellingham Technical College.
Marketing. Students learn economics, sales, advertising, communication skills, organizational skills, ethics, leadership skills, human relations, team work, promotion, purchasing, finances, supervisory skills, visual merchandising, risk management, marketing information management, entrepreneurship, business math, and store management. Students are encouraged to join DECA, a marketing organization that works with the classroom skills learned to enhance each student’s education. Three consecutive years of marketing are available to students at PAHS.
Microsoft Office. Students will learn to use Microsoft Office applications as tools for creating professional looking documents that are essential in business, government, schools, and every organization that needs to communicate. “Working” as interns for fictional businesses, students will create and enhance documents, worksheets, databases, and presentations suitable for today’s technology driven world. Students will also develop additional skills in leadership, self-management, and safety.
NJROTC. The Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) is a leadership and citizenship program in a military environment. Student activities include Military Academics, Drill, Color Guard, Physical Fitness, and Air Rifle. The Port Angeles Roughrider Company, established in 1996, is a Navy Distinguished Unit and a national award winning program
Wood Technology. Students are provided hands-on training in furniture design/construction, cabinetmaking, woodturning and wood craft. Students will experience teambuilding, and leadership development through Skills USA and have real life opportunities to apply their learning. This course will prepare students for entry level work in the field of Woodworking Technology. Classes offered are Fine Woods 1, Fine Woods 2, and Cabinetmaking.
Other Opportunities:
Introduction to Trade & Technology. This course includes topics of drafting, wood technology, metal work, electricity, and technology. This course is recommended for students who would like to take an additional CTE course. The program will contain shop procedures involving both hand and power tools, with considerable emphasis on shop safety.
Applied Math. Applied Math answers the age old math question of “When will we ever use this?” Each math concept presented is related to specific industry usages and everyday situations. Students explore these math topics through interactive, real-word based projects and problems.