Career & Technical Education (CTE)
CTE helps students explore career pathways that prepare them for their future whether they plan to pursue college or military, jump directly into the workforce, or are unsure.
CTE Pathways at Cherokee Trail High School 2026-2027
Districtwide CTE Pathways
Cherry Creek Schools offers Districtwide CTE Pathways that students can access beyond their home high schools. Programs at locations like the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) and Pathways at Overland are open to all CCSD students. Explore all available CTE Pathways across the district.
Applications for districtwide CTE courses are open early January through mid-February
Work-based Learning (WBL) Opportunities
Cherry Creek Schools offers three ways to experience real-world, hands-on learning in each pathway including:
- Learning About Work provides exposure to different career clusters and pathways including career counseling, industry speakers, and project-based learning
- Learning Through Work offers opportunities to interact with professionals from industry and community including internships and industry-sponsored projects
- Learning At Work includes pathway-specific training (apprenticeships) that occurs at a work site and prepares students for employment in the industry
Career and Tech Education After High School
As the labor market continues to evolve and change, college degrees are no longer a requirement for certain careers or salary levels. Learn more about the Colorado labor market and determine if CTE may be a good fit for you after high school.
Post-Secondary CTE Institutions in Colorado and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Community Colleges and Junior Colleges in Colorado offer a variety of certificate or degree programs in skilled trades (ie. dental hygiene, nursing, cosmetology). Click images below to explore different CTE schools in Colorado.
Not-for-profit versus Proprietary CTE Institutions
When exploring CTE schools beyond high school, families are encouraged to first seek out not-for-profit institutions that offer training in their chosen pathway. This typically provides stability schooling, scholarships, and financial aid. If students choose to pursue proprietary/for-profit institutions, it is highly recommended such institutions are researched and vetted, particularly in the following areas:
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Total cost
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Scholarships/financial aid
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Debt to income ratio (if using loans to pay for education)
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Long term stability
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Graduation rate/certificate completion
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Internship/job placement