Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career Education
Get trained for a job you love
About Career Education
Find a job you love that helps you create a secure future. Career Education, also known as Career Technical Education (CTE), programs help you uncover jobs you might not even know exist! Taking a class or earning a skills certificate or degree can help you find a new job, earn a promotion, and make more money. Many classes give you hands-on experience through work-based learning or prepare you to transfer to a four-year college.
Who are these classes for?
What will you learn?
Classes are for learners who are ready to take their job to the next level or find a new career. Many programs are for people who can make short-term commitments (less than two years), while others are designed for more long-term certifications.
Our high-quality classes are taught by local instructors and industry professionals. Some classes are offered in Spanish and English.
-
Explore high in-demand jobs in areas such as computer and information technology, health/medical, office computers, landscaping, food/culinary arts, manufacturing, digital media, and more
-
Find classes based on your interests and strengths
-
Stand out from other applicants with a short-term training or a certification
From our alumni...
"I succeeded and now I have a job where I love what I do."
- Ovidio Solorio
LOCATIONS
294 Green Valley Road Watsonville, CA 95076
400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95076
6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003
Providers, Classes and Pricing for Career Ed
Take a look at some of the pricing and providers offering classes in Santa Cruz County.
Tips: Before you start...
Here are a few things to know about program requirements and preparation
-
Financial aid may be offered
-
Check with each provider about financial aid availability
Providers offering Career Education
Cabrillo College offers 73 Career and Technical Education (CTE) short-term certificates. CTE certificates are valued by employers and prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. Students are taught by industry experts and are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
Classes and Pricing:
-
Classes are offered in 15 industry sectors
-
Degree credit courses are $46 per unit + fees
-
See class times and locations on the Cabrillo College website
Provider Tips:
-
Bilingual Cabrillo customer support people are available at both Aptos and Watsonville campuses to help you register for classes
-
Financial aid is available for many students and some classes are free
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
The Santa Cruz County Career Technical Education Partnership provides students with the opportunity to acquire academic, career and technical skills and to prepare for life-long learning and success in the changing workplace.
Classes and Pricing:
-
See more information on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website
-
Career technical courses offered for medical assistant and dental assistants
-
Programs require a year-long commitment
Provider Tips:
-
Registration opens once a year in March. Learn more by attending a mandatory orientation meeting
-
More SCCOE tips
WASC Adult Education
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education offers educational programs to support your career growth, learn a new language, earn your diploma equivalency or create a pathway to college. Classes are designed to help students meet their own personal goals for personal and professional growth.
Classes and Pricing:
-
Class information and prices are available on the Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education website
-
CTE classes are affordable and start at $50
-
Classes are held in the morning and evenings
-
New classes start each semester
-
Some bilingual classes are offered
-
Classes are offered at many locations throughout Santa Cruz County
Provider Tips:
-
Bilingual Cabrillo customer support people are available at both Santa Cruz and Watsonville campuses to help you register for classes
-
Available courses will have a "register online" link
-
Call for more information about classes that cannot be registered online
-
More WASCAE tips