Career and Technical Education or CTE includes training that prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand jobs. CTE programs provide students with academic knowledge, technical skills, and work-based learning experiences needed to succeed in the workplace.
The CTE program at Frenship ISD is extensive and offers top career training for students. At Frenship High School, students can pursue academic pathways in 26 different CTE state-aligned programs with over 90 courses to choose from.
Some of the biggest programs in CTE education pathways fall into the Business and Industry Endorsement. Within this endorsement, students can take courses in agriculture, animal science, plumbing, construction, and automotive technology.
Ryan Pieniazek, Lead Agricultural Sciences Teacher at FHS, stated that CTE courses prepare students for jobs needed daily in society.
“Our student's educational experiences extend beyond the classroom where they make real-world connections with business and industry that carries over to career opportunities,” said Pieniazek.
At Frenship, students who choose to follow the agricultural graduation pathway can select from four areas of emphasis; Animal Science, Applied Agricultural Engineering, Plant Science, and Environment & Natural Resources. These areas of emphasis allow students to tailor their classes to fit their individual interests.
Within the agricultural department, each class is stocked full of hands-on experiences, project-based assignments, and industry standards. Students in the floral design courses have frequent visits from United Supermarket floral experts for lessons in industry practices, while the advanced class puts to practice their knowledge with the Flower of the Month Arrangements.
Students enrolled in agriculture classes are encouraged to join the Frenship FFA program where they take the knowledge learned in class and compete in Leadership Development Events (LDE), Career Development Events (CDE), and Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE). These contests allow members to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and even raise farm animals.
“The agricultural education model is a three-ring model that brings the classroom, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences together for one unique learning experience,” said Pieniazek.
Tyler Racca, Vice Present of the Frenship FFA chapter, grew up in the FFA community and knew he wanted to show livestock, but was unaware of the numerous possibilities within the program.
“When I took the Principles of Agriculture class, my first ag class, I discovered the depth of the FFA organization,” said Racca. “I truly discovered that this was something I wanted to pursue in high school and as a career after college.”
Racca stated that being involved in the FFA opens countless opportunities for all students, not just those interested in livestock. Through contests, students learn valuable skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and time management.
“These competitions, these speaking events, and these projects can really teach you so much,” said Racca. “You are in environments where there is a constant advocation for agriculture that can help you pursue your future interests and help build relationships with people.”
Students enrolled in agricultural education classes take part in a curriculum that allows them to achieve a variety of industry-based certifications that lead to career opportunities after high school and college.
Within the same Business and Industry endorsement, students can choose a graduation pathway that focuses on architecture and construction. These courses lay the foundation for students to pursue careers in construction, carpentry, and plumbing directly after graduation. The nature of these courses allows students to learn industry standards through a hands-on curriculum.
In the construction shop, one can find various projects built through student teamwork. The areas of emphasis in this pathway often overlap and work collaboratively. With the edition of the newest CTE program, Plumbing, the construction students built a structure for the plumbing students to utilize in class.
Additionally, each year the construction classes work together to build a playhouse for Casas for CASA annual fundraiser. This project allows the students to build a project that will make a difference in someone's life while supporting a good organization.
Frenship ISD is also host to a full and innovative Automotive shop for students to learn the trade of car maintenance. The students in the Automotive graduation pathway are learning in an industry-standard auto shop, where they get their hands dirty working on actual client vehicles.
“I like working with actual vehicles and customers cars, it gives you a good understanding of a real shop environment,” said Chris Vinson a first-year auto tech student at Frenship High School.
Within the automotive course, students have the opportunity to earn various Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. Frenship offers ASE testing in 10 different areas such as Brakes, Engine Performance, and Electronic Systems.
Dana Vinson, the Automotive Technology teacher, explains that ASE testing is the industry standard that several independent repair facilities look at when hiring. "Having that certificate to go into a repair facility and apply for jobs gives you a leg up because it shows whoever is doing the hiring that you put in the effort to learn the material and are trainable,” said Vinson.
In addition to industry certifications and client projects, Auto Tech students can flex their automotive knowledge by competing in SkillsUSA. Contests include hands-on competitions and technical testing events.
The CTE staff at Frenship encourages all students to explore the CTE programs. Students can dive deep into industries that interest them and gain valuable skills along the way.
“CTE has something to offer to every student,” said Pieniazek. “Furthermore, I encourage all students enrolled in our classes to take part in the student organizations and take advantage of the opportunities offered for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.”
Frenship is proud to offer an extensive CTE curriculum that truly prepares students for future careers and submerges them into real-world applications. Upon graduation, students can jump directly into the workforce thanks to industry certifications and hands-on experience earned in class or pursue higher education in a given field.
With 26 years of experience teaching agriculture education, Pieniazek emphasized the importance of highlighting the achievements and earned skills of CTE students.
“Our students are preparing to go straight into careers, higher education, and programs that prepare them for jobs that are needed day in and day out in society,” said Pieniazek. “It is important to recognize CTE students and their successes just as we recognize other areas in our school.”
Stay tuned throughout the month of February as Frenship celebrates Career and Technical Education Month!