Career & Technical Education

In RCPS, we believe all students should have both the access and the opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming. Students who participate in CTE programming graduate with the technical, academic, and employability skills that provide them with a competitive advantage in their chosen field. Students graduate with both a diploma and a resume of rich skills and experiences that will benefit them on their college and career paths, and the Roanoke Valley community benefits from a new generation who is ready, willing, and more than capable of entering today's workforce.

Students are encouraged to explore CTE programs in grade 9 and then select a major program area of study for grades 10 through 12. Select CTE courses are designed for 9th grade students as well. Some CTE courses offer students the ability to earn dual enrollment through Virginia Western Community College, and all programs offer students the opportunity to earn industry certifications within their program of study.  In addition, many courses provide the opportunity to engage in a work-based learning experience such as apprenticeships, internships, clinicals, and school-based enterprises.

Visit the ROTEC and DAYTEC websites to learn more about course offerings.  

Equity in Action Plan

Through RCPS' Equity in Action plan, CTE seat capacity has doubled and career pathways have expanded with the opening of the new Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC). This center is located adjacent to William Fleming High School. Students began taking classes at alternate locations in August 2023, and the center opened in January 2024. This is in addition to the existing Roanoke Technical Education Center at Gibboney Hall (ROTEC) adjacent to Patrick Henry High School.

This investment in CTE is providing students with the knowledge and experience necessary to meet the increased demand from businesses. A full list of CTE programs can be found below this section.

Available CTE Programs

• Air Force Junior ROTC
• Arts and Communications
• Automotive Technology
• Barbering
• Business Education
• Carpentry
• Coding and Cybersecurity
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Education (Teacher for Tomorrow)
• Engineering
• Health and Medical Sciences
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Information Technology
• Landscaping
• Marketing
• Precision Machining
• Sports Medicine
• Welding

Students may also enroll in special electives focused on leadership development and are encouraged to participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities. These are available to students in any CTE program.