The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students who will enter grade 9 in fall 2024. CTECS prepares students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, serving approximately 11,500 high school students. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day high school program and graduate with a high school diploma, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification in their field of study, and multiple industry-recognized credentials. It is free for Connecticut residents.

Thirty (30) trade programs are offered in the areas of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Marketing, Sales and Service; Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. For a full list of CTE programs.

There are several opportunities to earn college credit while attending the technical schools through the College Career Pathways (CCP) program with local community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs through local universities.

Schools also offer athletics and extra-curricular programs.

Ninth-grade students participate in all of the CTE programs offered through the Exploratory Program. This experience allows students to try the various career path opportunities before choosing one that will set the framework for their education in grades 10-12. Students take academic and career technology courses on a rotating schedule.

Unique to the technical high school experience are the production projects and hands-on career development experience students gain through partnerships with local companies through the Work-Based Learning program.

For more information or to apply online. You can also contact the school counseling department at any CTECS location. The priority application deadline is December 15, 2023.