Find Your Career, Find Your Passion
Learn Real-World Skills in School
CTEC offers ten exciting and innovative Career Technical Education programs including Residential Construction; Manufacturing, Welding, and Engineering; Cosmetology; Video and Game Design Animation; Drone Technology and Robotics; Auto Body Repair and Painting; Law Enforcement; Business Development and Leadership; Culinary Arts Management; and, Agriscience. Open to 11th and 12th grade students in the Salem-Keizer School District, CTEC programs provide the competitive advantage needed to tap into the high-wage, high-demand jobs of the future.
Invent, design and engineer the types of precision parts, tools and products used worldwide, using professional CAD and manufacturing equipment. Learn advanced welding and machining techniques to join, cut, bend and manipulate materials for industrial and artistic applications. Produce solutions for complex engineering challenges from concept to completion.
Design and build an upscale residential home from the ground up. Work alongside industry professionals in all aspects of architecture and building—including foundations, walls, roofs and interior and exterior finishing. Operate professional equipment and power tools for all aspects of construction.
Express individual creativity by providing a wide range of artistic hair, nail, skincare and barbering services using the latest technology, trends and name-brand products. Operate and experience a full-service, interactive salon and spa environment. Work alongside professional cosmetologists to explore all aspects of quality salon services and management.
Create custom modifications using modern welding, sanding, masking and creative painting techniques. Operate the same collision repair and painting equipment as industry professionals. Restore a variety of damaged vehicles by applying advanced techniques of metal fabrication, adhesive repair and creative refinishing.
Produce original animated short films, dynamic visual effects and eye-catching graphics. Work with professional technologies to create virtual worlds, virtual reality (VR) and 3D modeling to achieve inspiring results. Collaborate to brainstorm, storyboard and create unique 3D animation, computer graphics, games and videos.
Build, program and operate high-tech drones to perform data-gathering missions. Work with clients and industry leaders on mission planning, flight operations and analysis. Apply emerging technologies in agriculture, public safety, marketing, engineering and surveying.
Discover what it takes to be the boss—building a thriving enterprise—and provide unique customer experiences. Develop a competitive business mindset by operating a successful CTEC company. Master a wide range of dynamic business strategies for creating, communicating and delivering products and services.
Strengthen your mind and body through rigorous mental and physical training, including advanced self-defense tactics. Work with certified law enforcement professionals who keep the community safe. Examine state and federal laws and the critical roles of police, corrections and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.
Express individual creativity as part of a team that develops entire meals, unique dining experiences, and delivers great customer service. Cook alongside professional chefs in a modern commercial kitchen setting. Operate fast-paced restaurant ventures such as food trucks, deli and catering services at CTEC.
Operate a high-tech urban agriculture center to grow sustainable food. Work with business and industry experts in urban farming, nursery production, food science and biotechnology. Use micropropagation, hydroponics, advanced technology and equipment to grow farm-to-table produce.
You’ll learn the technical skills, professional skills, and academics you’ll need to graduate with a competitive advantage. Take the first step toward a successful career.
Your organization and our community benefit when students get a strong career technical education foundation. We need your financial and in-kind support.
You need talent to build your company. Showcase your company and profession to your future workforce.
CTEC is a one-of-a-kind, premier educational institution located in the heart of the Willamette Valley—in Salem, Oregon. CTEC students work side-by-side with industry professionals and core academic teachers to build a competitive advantage they’ll use in their next step after high school. Rigorous academic standards are partnered with relevant industry skills to deliver a curriculum that is seamlessly integrated with statewide standards and clearly aligned with high-wage, high-demand career pathways. Students who graduate from CTEC are equipped to pursue their dreams.
98% Graduation Rate
Integrated curriculum including college credit and industry certifications
Professional skills development
Multiple awards for CTEC students at Skills USA and First Robotics national competitions
All students are connected to jobs, trade schools, apprenticeships, college or military post-graduation—goal is 100% positive placement
CTEC’s Residential Construction program builds a house each year and prepares students to enter the workforce. KPTV’s Haley Rush came to CTEC to see how we are creating a well-trained workforce to fill much-needed positions in the community.
CTEC’s Drone and Robotics program was featured in the news when KATU Reporter Wesleigh Ogle came to CTEC to fly a drone. She talked with teachers and students about the program and potential career opportunities for students.
CTEC’s Auto Body and Painting program received a $250,000 donation from Salem area car dealerships. Simon Gutierrez from KPTV took an in-depth look at the program to see how CTEC is giving students a hands-on experience in learning.