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Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career Tech at OHS
Students can choose from a variety of career pathways, each designed to introduce them to specific industries, develop job-ready skills, and provide opportunities for advanced study or employment.
Why Choose Career & Technical Education?
- Hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers
- College & career readiness with certifications and internships
- Opportunities to explore different fields before graduation
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Courses in this pathway focus on plant and animal sciences, environmental sustainability, and agricultural business.
- Fundamentals of Agriscience: Introduction to agriculture, including plant science, animal science, and forestry
- Floriculture & Floral Design: Learn floral design techniques and business operations
- Horticulture: Hands-on farming techniques and plant care
- Aquaculture Science: Study aquatic species, hydroponics, and aquaponics
- Greenhouse & Nursery Production: Learn greenhouse operations and plant propagation
- Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone project applying agricultural skills
Industry Certifications: Land Survey Helper Certification, Skid Steer Certification, Specialty Crops
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For students interested in broadcasting, video production, and digital media, this pathway includes:
- Media Production Foundations: Basics of video production and editing
- Broadcasting Production I: Writing, Producing & Performing: On-camera and behind-the-scenes experiences with advanced video editing and filmmaking techniques
- Broadcasting Production II: Long-term and promotional video projects
Industry Certifications: Adobe Premiere Pro
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For students interested in teaching and educational careers, this program includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
- Foundations in Education: Introduction to careers in education and classroom management
- Practices in Education: Lesson planning and teaching strategies
- Methods in Education: Advanced classroom instruction techniques
- Education & Training Internship: Work-based learning experience in local schools
Industry Certifications: PRAXIS Core Academic Skills, ETS Parapro Assessment, Google Educator Certification -
This pathway focuses on engineering, design, and technology applications.
- Foundations of Engineering & Technology: Introduction to engineering disciplines and 3D design
- Applications of Engineering & Technology: Hands-on projects in mechanics and automation
- Environmental Engineering: Addressing global challenges like clean water and energy
- Senior Career Pathway Project: Independent study with a mentor
Industry Certifications: SolidWorks Associate
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Students gain knowledge and experience in healthcare careers, including certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
- Foundations of Health Science: Introduction to medical careers, anatomy, and first aid
- Patient Care Technician: Hands-on training in medical procedures
- Pharmacy Technician: Prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical services
- Therapeutic Services: Nursing, medicine, and emergency care fundamentals
- Sports Medicine: Injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques
- Health Science Internship: Real-world experience in medical facilities
- Nurse Aide Training: CNA certification program
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Prepares students for the National Registry EMT exam
Industry Certifications: CNA, EMT-B, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Responder
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Students prepare for careers in restaurant management, food service, and hospitality.
- Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism: Overview of the service industry
- Culinary Arts 1: Food preparation and kitchen safety
- Culinary Arts 2: Advanced food production and restaurant management
- Baking & Pastry Arts: Specialization in desserts, bread, and pastries
- Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone culinary project
Industry Certifications: ServSafe Manager, Guest Service Professional -
Students interested in computers, networking, and cybersecurity gain hands-on technical experience.
- IT Fundamentals – Introduction to computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Network Fundamentals – Learn about computer networking and security
- Computer Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Advanced computer repair skills
- Cybersecurity – Protecting data and detecting cyber threats
- AP Computer Science Principles – Introduction to coding and software development
- AP Computer Science A (Java) – College-level programming course
- Senior Career Pathway Project – Capstone IT project
Industry Certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+, Skills for Success Fiber Optics
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Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management with real-world applications.
- Career Preparedness: Essential business and financial literacy skills (required for graduation)
- Entrepreneurship: Business development and innovation
- Marketing Principles: Foundations of marketing and sales strategies
- Sports & Entertainment Marketing: Business aspects of the sports and entertainment industry
- Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone business project
Industry Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist, Customer Service & Sales, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Certified Guest Service Professional
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The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program equips students with the tools they need for life beyond high school, including employability skills, industry-recognized certifications, and free college credit opportunities.
The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program at Opelika High School is formerly known as Ready To Work. This program is a FREE, industry-focused training course designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the workforce.
It’s tailored for seniors exploring alternatives to traditional four-year universities after graduation.
If you have questions, or want to enroll, contact Mrs. Edwards at mandi.edwards@opelikaschools.org.
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The Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that combines classroom instruction with productive, supervised work-based experiences. Opportunities include paid apprenticeships and unpaid internships aligned with students’ career goals.
Students must complete at least 140 clock hours during the semester to earn one (1) credit. To qualify, junior and senior students must be on track for graduation with acceptable attendance, academic performance, and discipline records. Participants must also be at least 16 years old.
Interested students should contact their school counselor or Mrs. Anglin (Send A Message) for more details about the application process and enrollment.
More On Cooperative Education:
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Is Work-Based Learning Right for You?
- Would you like to earn your own money?
- Is being exposed to a career of your interest important to you?
- Would you like to add to your academic studies and gain experience for the “real world”?
- Are you ready to explore a work-based learning opportunity to utilize your knowledge?
- Are you creative and interested in building a current professional network that can guide you to success in both college and your career?
- Do you want to experience hands-on practice with a business partner while receiving guidance from the Work-Based Learning Coordinator?
An internship is a directed, practical learning experience that takes place outside the normal classroom setting, where students sharpen their skills and gain experience through structured and monitored work-based learning experiences. Students apply academic concepts and mastery of instructional objectives in professional settings, and develop a direct primary approach to identify organizational operations of local professional companies.
Each student accepted into the Co-Opportunities Work-Based Learning program must complete the Work-Based Education Student Application for Enrollment and provide three teacher recommendations. These documents should be completed and submitted to Mrs. Anglin in Room 194 on the OHS campus. Request a meeting with Mrs. Anglin here.
What you need to enroll in Work-Based Learning:
- Complete WBL Application
- Review and Sign Rules & Regulations
- Complete Training Agreement Form (Print & Submit)
- Three Teacher Recommendations
- Child Labor Law Agreement
Helpful Links:
- Career Profiler
- Alabama Career Planning System
- Pathful Explorer
- Resume Builder
- Sample Interview Questions & Dress Code
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An online application and teacher recommendations must be submitted by all students participating in Co-Opportunities. Students, parents, and employers will sign a training agreement that details expectations for those assisting with the employment of our students. Forms must be completed and submitted to the WBL Coordinator to be eligible for placement in the Co-Opportunities program. Required forms are listed below:
- Online Student Application for Enrollment
- 3 Teacher Recommendations (One CTE teacher preferred)
- Training Agreement
The Training Agreement explains expectations for students, employers, and parents as participants in the training program. The WBL coordinator begins forming a Training Plan once student placement is determined. This plan identifies tasks that the student is expected to perform or learn while on the job. As students progress through the semester, the WBL coordinator will work with the employer to document the training and experiences gained during the employment placement. To participate in the program, students are required to work a minimum of 140 hours per credit earned (a minimum of 10 hours per week).
Thank you in advance for your participation as a parent!
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We appreciate your willingness to partner with our program to employ students from Opelika!
An online application and teacher recommendations must be submitted by all students participating in Co-Opportunities. Students, parents, and employers will sign a training agreement that details expectations for those assisting with the employment of our students. Forms must be completed and submitted to the WBL Coordinator to be eligible for placement in the Co-Opportunities program. Required forms are listed below:
- Online Student Application for Enrollment
- 3 Teacher Recommendations (One CTE teacher preferred)
- Training Agreement
The Training Agreement explains expectations for students, employers, and parents as participants in the training program. The WBL coordinator begins forming a Training Plan once student placement is determined. This plan identifies tasks that the student is expected to perform or learn while on the job. As students progress through the semester, the WBL coordinator will work with the employer to document the training and experiences gained during the employment placement. To participate in the program, students are required to work a minimum of 140 hours per credit earned (a minimum of 10 hours per week).
Thank you in advance for your participation as an employer. You will discover that, as an employer participating in the Co-Opportunities program, our goal is to pair you with students who are committed to learning, advancing their career goals, and contributing to your company's progress.
If your business employs high school students and you have positions available and/or would like to learn more about how you can partner with us, please complete the form below.
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Each pathway is designed to first introduce students to a particular career pathway by discussing the types of jobs associated with that career, as well as the educational or work experience required to enter that career. As students progress through the coursework in a particular pathway, the courses become more in-depth and skill-oriented. By a student's senior year, if they have taken the required prerequisite coursework, they will be expected to enroll in a works/project-based course where they will apply the knowledge and skills they have studied.
For students who are not able to complete the required prerequisite coursework or who transfer to Opelika after starting high school, there is the possibility of skipping certain courses in a pathway if they have completed similar coursework at another school or at Opelika or if he student shows the necessary motivation and desire to succeed in the advanced coursework. In both instances, teacher approval must be obtained to skip a prerequisite class.
Persons seeking detailed information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria should contact:
Katie Murray
Career Technical Director
Opelika City Schools
P.O. Box 2469
Opelika, AL 36803-2469
334-745-9700
katherine.murray@opelikaschools.org
Amy Hanna
Career Coach
Opelika High School
1700 Bulldog Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
334-745-9715
Mandi Edwards
Business Education/Ready to Work Teacher
Opelika High School
1700 Bulldog Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
334-745-9715
mandi.edwards@opelikaschools.org
Laura Anglin, GCDF
Business Teacher / Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Opelika High School
1700 Bulldog Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
334-745-9715
laura.anglin@opelikaschools.org
Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to
The City of Opelika Board of Education is an equal opportunity agency and prohibits discrimination or harassment in any of its educational programs, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, color, age, disability or reprisal in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts. The Board of Education complies fully with the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the appropriate Department of Education regulations.
Any person having inquiries concerning Opelika City School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI is directed to contact: Pam Fourtenbary, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Title VI Coordinator, P.O. Box 2469, Opelika, Alabama 36803-2469, (334) 745-9700.
Any person having inquiries concerning Opelika City School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 Rehabilitation Act is directed to contact: Tiffany Yelder, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Compliance Coordinator, P.O. Box 2469, Opelika, Alabama 36803-2469, (334) 745-9700.