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Career (CTE) Pathways
Career Technical Education (CTE) at Lower Lake High School gives you the opportunity to explore real-world careers while earning high school credit. CTE Pathways are sequences of courses designed to connect what you learn in the classroom to the skills employers and colleges are looking for — whether your goal is to enter the workforce, complete a certificate or apprenticeship program, or continue your education after graduation.
Each pathway takes you from foundational knowledge all the way to a hands-on capstone experience. Students who complete a full pathway graduate with practical skills, industry awareness, and a head start on their future.
What Is a CTE Pathway?
A CTE Pathway is a multi-year sequence of courses within a specific career sector. Rather than a single elective class, a pathway gives you depth — you build skills progressively over two to four years, culminating in an advanced capstone course in 11th or 12th grade. Pathways are part of California's broader Career Technical Education system and connect to community college programs, trade certifications, and career opportunities across the state.
Our Pathways
LLHS currently offers seven CTE Pathways across a range of industries. Click any pathway below to learn more about the program, courses, and career opportunities.
CTE Pathway availability is subject to change. Please check with the Counseling Office or review the current Course Catalog for the most up-to-date information.
Offered through the Lower Lake FFA, this sector includes four distinct pathways: Agriculture Business, Animal Sciences, Ornamental Horticulture, and Floral Design. Students learn plant science, animal care, landscape design, and floral artistry — plus develop leadership skills through FFA competitions, community service, and events like State Convention.
Available pathways within this sector:
- Agriculture Business
- Animal Sciences
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Floral Design
Instructor Contact
Teacher
This pathway prepares students for careers working with young children and families. Students learn about child growth and development, health, nutrition, safety, and how to plan developmentally appropriate learning activities. The program also addresses family relationships, child guidance, and the administrative foundations of running an early childhood program.
Careers this pathway connects to:
- early childhood educator
- preschool teacher
- childcare director
- family services worker
- social services aide
Also known as Culinary Arts, this pathway gives students hands-on food preparation experience alongside customer service training, workplace professionalism, and career education. Students participate in actual food production for campus events throughout the year. This is a four-course pathway — students must earn a C or better in each course to advance.
Available pathways within this sector:
- chef
- restaurant manager
- catering professional
- hospitality industry roles
- food service entrepreneur
Instructor Contact
Teacher
Students in this pathway explore careers in law enforcement and public service, gaining real-world experience through a partnership with the Clearlake Police Department's Explorer Program. Course topics include law enforcement procedures, service careers, and criminal justice.
Careers this pathway connects to:
- police officer
- sheriff's deputy
- firefighter
- emergency services
- corrections officer
- federal law enforcement
This pathway prepares students for careers in the fast-growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector — one of California's highest-demand, highest-wage industries. Students learn computer systems, software, programming, networking, and technical communication, building skills applicable to a wide range of technology careers.
Careers this pathway connects to:
- software developer
- systems analyst
- network administrator
- IT support specialist
- web developer
- database administrator
This pathway prepares students for careers in the automotive and transportation industry, with a focus on structural repair and vehicle refinishing. Students develop skills applicable to a variety of occupational roles including service technician, maintenance worker, shop foreman, and more.
Careers this pathway connects to:
- auto body technician
- collision repair specialist
- vehicle painter
- shop foreman
- transportation inspector
Designed for students interested in skilled trades, this pathway focuses on welding, sheet metal, and machining — core skills in metal forming, manufacturing, and construction industries. Welding is one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the country, with strong job stability and competitive wages.
Careers this pathway connects to:
- welder
- sheet metal worker
- machinist
- fabricator
- construction trades
- manufacturing technician
Upcoming Events
Not Sure Which Pathway Is Right for You?
That's okay — exploring is part of the process. Here are a few ways to figure out where to start:
- Take a career interest survey to identify what kinds of work excite you → Career Interest Survey
- Browse career options by industry or interest → Careers Page
- Talk to your counselor — they can help match your interests and goals to the right pathway and make sure it fits into your four-year plan
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