Career & Technical Education
Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for success after high school by combining rigorous academics with hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Prince George County Public Schools offers programs that help students explore careers, develop technical and workplace skills, earn industry credentials, and prepare for college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, and the workforce.
CTE programs are aligned with Virginia's high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage occupations and provide multiple pathways to postsecondary education, military service, and employment.
Programs of Study & Career Pathways
Career and Technical Education programs are organized into nationally recognized Career Clusters®, helping students explore careers that align with their interests, strengths, and future goals.
Prince George County Public Schools offers Career and Technical Education programs in the following areas:
- Business & Information Technologies
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Health & Medical Sciences
- Marketing Education
- Military Science Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
- Technology & Engineering Education
- Trade & Industrial Education
Students and families are encouraged to explore the National Career Clusters® Framework to learn more about career pathways, occupations, and educational opportunities related to each program area.
Career Readiness Resources
Prince George County Public Schools is committed to preparing students for success beyond high school by providing access to career planning resources, industry-recognized credentials, and authentic workplace experiences.
Students have opportunities to:
- Earn Industry Credentials that validate technical knowledge and workplace skills in a variety of career fields.
- Participate in High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) experiences, including internships, clinical experiences, school-based enterprises, mentoring, and other hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with business and industry.
- Participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, helping students identify their strengths and explore career pathways in both civilian and military occupations. Participation in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program does not obligate students to military service.
- Earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates foundational workplace skills valued by employers across many industries. Students may also obtain the NCRC through a comprehensive community college or local workforce center.
Students and families are encouraged to review the Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes published by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). These resources provide information about postsecondary enrollment, completion, employment outcomes, and earnings after graduation to assist students in planning for life after high school.
Annual Notice
The following information is provided annually in accordance with the Standards of Quality and the Code of Virginia.
Prince George County Public Schools annually notifies enrolled high school students and their parents of:
- the availability of the Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes published by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) on its website pursuant to § 23.1-204.1 of the Code of Virginia; and
- the opportunity for students to obtain a Nationally Recognized Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) through a local public high school, comprehensive community college, or workforce center.
Links & Resources
Use the links below to access information about Career & Technical Education, including Virginia Department of Education resources, information on industry certifications, Virginia Wizard career portal, and more.
Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are an integral part of Career and Technical Education, providing students with opportunities to develop leadership, technical, and workplace skills through competitive events, service learning, career exploration, and community involvement. Participation in CTSOs enhances classroom instruction while preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.
Prince George County Public Schools offers students the opportunity to participate in the following Career and Technical Student Organizations:
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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through hands-on projects, business simulations, leadership conferences, and competitive events, students develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills that prepare them for college and future careers. DECA members have opportunities to participate in local, state, and national competitions while building valuable connections with business and industry professionals.
Learn more at DECA’s website.
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Educators Rising is a national organization that inspires and prepares students who are interested in pursuing careers in education. Members explore the teaching profession through classroom experiences, leadership activities, public speaking, and service opportunities while developing the skills needed to become future teachers, school counselors, administrators, and other education professionals. Students can also participate in competitive events that showcase their knowledge, creativity, and instructional abilities.
Learn more at Educators Rising’s website.
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Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a student-led organization that helps members develop leadership skills while preparing for careers related to family and consumer sciences. Students participate in projects focused on leadership, community service, career preparation, financial literacy, nutrition, child development, hospitality, and personal growth. FCCLA encourages members to become responsible leaders who make positive contributions to their families, schools, and communities.
Learn more at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s website.
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Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) prepares students for careers in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and technology. Members strengthen their leadership, communication, and workplace readiness skills through business-focused activities, community service, networking opportunities, and competitive events. FBLA helps students build confidence while exploring career pathways and developing the professional skills needed for success in college and the workforce.
Learn more at Future Business Leaders of America’s website.
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HOSA – Future Health Professionals is a global student organization dedicated to preparing future leaders in healthcare. Students interested in medicine, nursing, emergency services, public health, sports medicine, and other health-related careers gain valuable knowledge through leadership development, service projects, hands-on learning, and competitive events. HOSA provides opportunities for students to explore healthcare professions while developing the technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills needed in the medical field.
Learn more at Virginia HOSA’s website.
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SkillsUSA empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. Serving students enrolled in career and technical education programs, SkillsUSA combines technical skill development with leadership training, teamwork, and community service. Members compete in contests that reflect real-world workplace standards while gaining experience that prepares them for success in high-demand careers across skilled trades, technical fields, and service industries.
Learn more at the SkillsUSA website.
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The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Members apply classroom learning to real-world challenges through engineering design, robotics, computer science, video game design, coding, manufacturing, biotechnology, and other technology-focused projects. TSA encourages creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and leadership while providing opportunities to compete at the regional, state, and national levels.
Learn more at the Technology Student Association’s website.
Expanded Learning Opportunities
Prince George County Public Schools partners with regional educational institutions to provide students with expanded opportunities for career preparation, workforce training, and college credit while still in high school.
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Rowanty Technical Center
Eligible juniors and seniors may apply to attend Rowanty Technical Center, where students receive advanced technical training in high-demand career fields while remaining enrolled as Prince George County Public Schools students.
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Brightpoint Community College
Through a partnership with Brightpoint Community College, eligible students may enroll in Career Studies Certificate programs and other dual enrollment opportunities, allowing them to earn college credit, workforce credentials, and valuable postsecondary experience while still in high school.
Get Involved: Business & Industry Partners
Support from our local business and industry partners is essential to developing the next-generation workforce in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in the workplace, paired with exceptional classroom instruction, helps Prince George County Public Schools fulfill its mission of preparing students for success in college, careers, military service, and the workforce.
We invite business and industry partners to learn more about opportunities to collaborate with Prince George County Public Schools through advisory committees, High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL), internships, mentoring, classroom presentations, career fairs, mock interviews, and other career-connected learning experiences.
To learn more about partnering with Prince George County Public Schools, please contact Ashton Girolmo, Coordinator of Career & Technical Education, for additional information and opportunities to get involved.
Our Staff
Ashton Girolmo | Coordinator of Career & Technical Education
Phone: 804-733-2700 Email: agirolmo@pgs.k12.va.us
