Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Real Life. Real Skills. Real Opportunities.
- Where do I start?
- How Do I Sign Up?
- Programs and Pathways
- Career Experiences & WBL
- Work Based Learning Internship Opportunities
- CTE Program Students
- Student Organizations
Where do I start?
Davenport Community Schools offers a wide variety of Career and Technical Education Programs in Business, Computer Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, and Applied Sciences to create a competitive advantage for our students.
-Are you here to explore opportunities and learn more? Check out the Program Brochure!
-Are you a current CTE Program Student? Head to the CTE Program Students Tab to find information just for YOU! Also check out the Work-Based Learning Experiences Tab to see what opportunities are coming up soon!
-Are you a representative from a business in our area? Find out all the ways you can get involved with supporting our programs on the Work-Based Learning Experiences Tab!
Career Tech Ed
What is Career Tech Ed?
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Career and Technical Education includes programs and pathways that are designed to introduce and prepare students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.
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The courses and pathways provide students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers, and are aligned to industry standards and needs within our community.
Why Does Career Tech Ed Work for Me?
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Be college and career ready! Work individually and in teams to develop the expertise, confidence, and skills for today’s top careers.
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Expand your options! Merge robust academic education and career-tech experience to gain a powerful competitive advantage in today’s new economy.
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Fund your future! Use career-tech experience to earn an above-average wage, pay for advanced training, and make money for college.
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Advance your abilities! Stand out from the crowd with a dynamic edge in your career field of choice
Stay Connected!
Michael Elliott
Curriculum Specialist, Career and Technical Education
Elliottmi@davenportschools.org
Visit Davenport Schools CTE on Facebook!
Like and follow us to stay up to date with #DCSDCTE!
How Do I Sign Up?
Apply for one of our 15 career tech programs and be a part of Davenport Schools CTE!
Pair robust academic knowledge with powerful technical and professional skills to build your competitive advantage. Would you like to figure out what you’re good at and what you like to do and then take related courses in high school? Of course you do!
Ready to get started? Apply Today!
Applications now being accepted for the 2026-2027 School Year.
A student who is the right fit for a career tech program is someone who….
A student who is the right fit for a career tech program is someone who….
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Any student can enroll in a CTE pathway starting in 8th grade (We recommend signing up in 8th grade to ensure you have room in your schedule to finish the pathway)
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Is interested in finding something you’d love to do everyday
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Wants to have fun and engaging experiences with real careers and professionals
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Would like to take classes with a purpose
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Strives to build strong academic knowledge and technical skills
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Wants to have a competitive advantage
Programs and Pathways
Davenport Schools offers 15 specialized Career Tech Programs that align student interests and passions with a variety of careers.
Click the links below to learn more about the different options available or check out our Program Brochure!
Program Quick Links! Select a program to learn about the experience, pathway, and opportunities!
Tabs
- Business
- Computer Science
- Family and Consumer Science
- Health Science
- Technology Education (Applied Sciences)
Business
The Business programs allow students to gain real world skills in Accounting and Financial Services and Marketing and Management, with a major emphasis on aligning to industry standards. Some highlights of being part of the Business programs include: college credit, work based learning, early placement, and certifications. We also offer a Summer International Business Symposium in partnership with St. Ambrose.
Accounting and Financial Services
What You'll Do
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Discover how to achieve personal wealth and financial freedom using the stock market and proven investment strategies
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Use professional software applications and interactive simulations to apply key strategies in both personal and corporate situations
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Assess a company’s financial condition to recommend critical practices for sound financial management
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Accounting and Financial Services
The Next Level
Marketing and Management
What You'll Do
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Apply the latest marketing and social media strategies to maximize brand awareness and profitability
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Discover what it takes to be the boss, build a thriving enterprise, and provide unique customer experiences
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Promote, produce, and deliver products and services to meet diverse client needs in a wide range of business ventures
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Marketing and Management
The Next Level
Computer Science
The Computer Science programs allow students to gain real world skills in programming, coding and networking with a major emphasis on aligning to industry standards. Some highlights of being part of the Computer Science Program include: Project Lead The Way, college credit, and national competitions, and a Department of Labor recognized Registered Apprenticeship.
Computer Science
What You'll Do
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Work as an IT specialist to design, install, and troubleshoot computers and network systems.
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Configure, install, and manage data networks, servers, firewalls, remote access, and wireless technologies.
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Work in a professional network administration environment and configure cybersecurity systems that protect technology users.
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Create dynamic software for mobile apps, video games, robotic control systems, and cyber security tools.
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Develop unique solutions using a wide range of advanced programming languages, networks, and operating systems.
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Interpret client needs to design responsive websites, mobile applications, and specialized hardware.
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Computer Science
The Next Level
Family and Consumer Science
The Family and Consumer Science programs allow students to gain real world skills in Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, and Family and Community Services, with a major emphasis on aligning to industry standards. Some highlights of being a part of the FCS programs include: college credit, work based learning, scholarships, certifications, and competitive internships. The Early Childhood Education program offers courses at Children’s Village West preschool so students can gain more hands on experience and attain their Child Development Associate Certificate. The Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program offers students the opportunity to enroll in ProStart which offers a nationally recognized credential upon completion.
Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
What You'll Do
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Cook alongside professional chefs in a modern commercial kitchen preparing a variety of innovative menu items
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Develop, prepare, and serve traditional and international cuisine in a wide range of student-managed cafés and catered events
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Be a key part of the team that designs menus, develops unique dining experiences, and competes nationally
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Culinary Arts
The Next Level
Early Childhood Education
What You'll Do
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Use the technology-assisted RealCare Baby® System to experience the reality of caring for a newborn
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Create and teach hands-on activities that enhance a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development in a preschool setting
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Explore the unique developmental stages of children from prenatal through preschool ages
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Early Childhood Education
The Next Level
Family and Community Services
What You'll Do
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Explore human development, nutrition, and wellness to positively impact quality of life
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Use fashion and interior design techniques to create innovative products and lifestyle solutions
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Investigate complex social and emotional challenges and understand their effects on individuals and society
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Family and Community Services
The Next Level
Health Science
The Health Science programs allow students to gain real world skills in healthcare, with a major emphasis on aligning to industry standards. Some highlights of being part of the Health Sciences program include: college credit, clinicals, and national competitions. Students can earn the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification upon successful completion of the course and state exam.
Health Services and Sciences
What You'll Do
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Solve medical mysteries by applying advanced concepts from anatomy, physiology, infection control, and biomedical innovation
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Explore a wide range of medical careers through practical lab experiences and high-level coursework
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Deliver quality patient care while performing medical processes and diagnostics procedures in actual and simulated clinical environments
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Interact with professionals to gain the edge for employment in the healthcare industry while developing an understanding of legal and ethical practices
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Prepare for a career to promote healthy lifestyles, diagnose diseases, and treat injuries
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Connect learning to life by stepping into various roles and working alongside biomedical science professionals
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Health Sciences and Services
The Next Level
Technology Education (Applied Sciences)
The Tech Ed programs allow students to gain real world skills in Automotive Technology, Construction, Engineering / Engineering Technologies, Manufacturing, and Welding, with a major emphasis on aligning to industry standards. Some highlights of being part of a Tech Ed program include: college credit. Internships, work based learning, apprenticeship, certifications, Project Lead The Way, competitive internships, scholarships, and regional competitions.The Tech Ed program offers vocational auto and welding. The Tech Ed program’s construction capstone is Student Built Home, where students are on an actual job site building the house from the ground up.
Automotive Technology
What You'll Do
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Analyze, diagnose, repair, and maintain advanced automotive systems in foreign and domestic vehicles
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Use professional diagnostic and repair equipment to troubleshoot complex systems
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Optimize vehicle performance to satisfy customer needs
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Automotive
The Next Level
Construction
What You'll Do
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Design and build a wide range of projects from concept to completion
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Construct a modern residential home from the ground up utilizing professional power tools
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Work with industry professionals in all aspects of construction including framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finishing
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Construction
The Next Level
Engineering/Engineering Technologies
What You'll Do
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Make a difference by inventing solutions to everyday problems while working individually and in teams
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Explore, experience, and create innovative projects in the diverse fields of engineering
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Bring your ideas to life by using advanced digital design and 3D printing technologies
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options- Accounting and Financial Services
The Next Level
Manufacturing
What You'll Do
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Use advanced fabrication techniques and equipment to join, cut, bend, and manipulate materials for industrial and artistic applications
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Produce solutions to complex engineering challenges from concept to completion
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Program and control industrial CNC machines to manufacture precise components to meet specifications
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Advanced Manufacturing
The Next Level
Welding
What You'll Do
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Use advanced welding techniques and fabrication equipment to manipulate metal for construction, industrial, and artistic applications
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Work independently and in teams to build, assemble, and repair metal projects to meet industry and community needs
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Operate the same advanced welding and fabrication equipment utilized by professionals
How to Get There
Each program has a recommended sequence of courses to take over 4 years.
Students can request the courses when they plan their schedules, or join a CTE Program and have these automatically loaded into their Campus Planner! Find out more about joining a CTE Program by visiting the How Do I Sign Up? tab!
Check out the Davenport Schools Course Guide for a full description of each course in the sequence!
CTE Pathway Options - Welding
The Next Level
Career Experiences & WBL
Career- Connected Learning= Career Exploration + Work-Based Learning
Career and WBL experiences allow you to explore careers through various opportunities both in the classroom and on a job site. The best part is that you get to start building your connections now with industry professionals! All experiences are coordinated with you in mind! Quality career and WBL experiences must include academic preparation, partnerships between education and industry, and academic follow-up.
What is Work-Based Learning?
The passage of Senate File 2411 in May 2024 clarified a consistent definition of work-based learning as, “sustained project-based learning in partnership with an employer, simulated work experiences aligned with industry-recognized credentials, high-quality pre-apprenticeships aligned to an apprenticeship, student learner programs, internships, and apprenticeships.”
What is Career Exploration?
- Career Fairs
- Business Tours
- Job Shadow
- Mock Interviews
- Employability Skills
- Guest Speakers
- Authentice Projects
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Nepris
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about Nepris
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Build Iowa
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about Build Iowa
![The image features the logo for "Future Ready Iowa", which consists of a directional arrow icon in shades of green and teal against a white background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734413712/davenportschoolsorg/zfiliucd7keeguimiik0/FuturereadyIowa.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734413712/davenportschoolsorg/zfiliucd7keeguimiik0/FuturereadyIowa.png","width":281}])
Future Ready Iowa
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about Future Ready Iowa
I want to get involved!
Thanks for your interest in getting involved in a career experience at Davenport Community Schools!
Students: Career experiences are embedded into your CTE program courses, so just by taking CTE classes you automatically are eligible for these opportunities. Be sure to check with your counselors, your CTE teacher, and check your district email upcoming experiences. Also check out the CALENDAR OF EVENTS page see upcoming live career experiences! Fill out the forms below to get involved now!
Businesses: Davenport Community Schools would love the opportunity to partner with you! Review our PROGRAMS AND PATHWAYS PAGE to find out more about the programs we offer. Below is a google form you can fill out to let us know how involved you want to be for the upcoming school year. You can also request a meeting with our Work-Based Learning Coordinator to learn more.
Morgan Kuhlman
Work Based Learning Coordinator & Carl Perkins Facilitator
kuhlmanm@davenportschools.org
563-336-7456
Upcoming Opportunities
Check out these upcoming opportunities that you may want to be involved in! Be sure to regularly visit the CALENDAR OF EVENTS tab for more ways to get involved!
Partner WBL Commitment Form
Are you a local business that is interested in partnering with Davenport Schools to offer one of the above career experiences at your business? Fill out this form to commit to as many or as few opportunities as your are interested in.
Job Shadow Request
Job shadows are a chance to learn about a specific career directly from a professional in that role! Job shadows can either be face to face (with parent permission) or virtual. Face-to-face job shadow- spend approx. 4 hours with a professional on site. You must provide/arrange your own transportation to and from the job shadow. Virtual job shadow- spend 45-60 minutes with a professional on a Google Meet. Fill out this form.
Work Based Learning Internship Opportunities
What's an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a chance to get real world work experience while you're in high school! Gain technical and professional skills through related training with Davenport Schools and on the job learning with a partner company.
Students typically begin their on the job learning the summer between 11th and 12th grade by working 8 hours per day at a partner site. During their senior year, students work 4 hours per day at a partner site and attend school half of the day. Upon graduation, students continue in their apprenticeship until all related training hours and standards are met.
Eligibility: Junior or Senior | Related Training Prerequisites Completed | On Track for Graduation | Good Attendance | Motivated
Benefits: Nationally Recognized Credential | College Credit | Earn Money | Jump Start on your Career | Industry Connections
Full DCSD Apprenticeship Standards (Standards are broken up by occupation below)
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Software Engineer
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about Software Engineer
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Electronic Systems Technician
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about Electronic Systems Technician
![The image shows a person in a blue jacket working on some equipment mounted on a wall, with several similar pieces of equipment visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734414331/davenportschoolsorg/al0kt1yicjdrd8rtua7u/Electrician.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734414331/davenportschoolsorg/al0kt1yicjdrd8rtua7u/Electrician.png","width":364}])
Electrician High Quality Pre-Apprenticeship
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about Electrician High Quality Pre-Apprenticeship
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Mechanical Engineer
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about Mechanical Engineer
![Two individuals wearing green coveralls and protective gear stand in a warehouse-like setting with various equipment and machinery visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734414204/davenportschoolsorg/q5elx6vvotofir4imppy/Screenshot2024-12-16at104315PM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734414204/davenportschoolsorg/q5elx6vvotofir4imppy/Screenshot2024-12-16at104315PM.png","width":463}])
Welding
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about Welding
![Two workers wearing hard hats and safety gear are operating machinery in an industrial warehouse setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734414142/davenportschoolsorg/glehe9acfebtzfcxnaxc/Machinist.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734414142/davenportschoolsorg/glehe9acfebtzfcxnaxc/Machinist.png","width":464}])
Machinist (Machine Operator)
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about Machinist (Machine Operator)
DCSD Apprenticeship Contacts:
Michael Elliott I Elliottmi@davenportschools.org
CTE Program Students
Welcome to Davenport Schools Career Tech Program!
You made a great choice to make the most of your high school experience by joining Davenport Schools CTE! We’re thrilled to help you expand your opportunities, build a dynamic competitive advantage, and get ahead in your career and life plans.
Check out the information and links below to learn more about the opportunities created just for you as a DCSD Career Tech student including: upcoming events to explore your pathway, program meetings to connect with teachers, student organizations, and other program students.
Career Experiences & Work-Based Learning for Davenport CTE
Why should I participate?
Have you ever been very excited about an upcoming event, only to get there and have the reality be a totally different story? Well, that can happen with our career decisions too! In order to really see the light at the end of the tunnel, you have to have a vision for what is at the end! A description of a career may sound one way, but the actual daily work may be a very different situation. How will you know if you never spend any time with a professional that can give you the truth?
Experiences give you the opportunity to touch and see careers you want to explore, allowing you to adapt your plan based on your reactions. Identifying your passions and strengths and how they connect to a career is a goal for these experiences. Once you begin unlocking the levels, the options are unlimited!
Get started now by visiting the Career Experiences & WBL Page
Student Organizations
What is a CTSO?
A Career and Technical Education Student Organization (CTSO) is an organization that engages in career and technical education activities as an integral part of the instructional program. CTSO's provide opportunities to develop and refine the skills students need in their chosen occupational area. Conferences, competitions, workshops, community service and other activities encourage leadership development and career exploration.
How do I get involved?
Davenport Central, North, and West offer FCCLA, FBLA, and SkillsUSA chapters that students can be apart of.
Contact your CTE Teacher for details.
SKILLS USA
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. We’re a student-led partnership of education and industry that’s building the future skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. From our mission to our reach, from our brand to our history, learn who we are, what we do and why we do it.
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Automotive Technology
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Construction
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Engineering
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Manufacturing
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Welding
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business.
- Accounting and Financial Services
- Marketing & Management
- Computer Science
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
FCCLA's Ultimate Leadership Experience equips members with real-world skills through Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. FCCLA members will strengthen skills, forge friendships, and make a positive difference in today’s world by participating in Competitive Events, serving in leadership positions, attending national conferences, networking with youth leaders, and attaining essential college- and career-ready skills.
- Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
- Early Childhood Education
- Family and Community Services
- Graphic Arts
- K-12 Teacher