Here at Visions, our mission is to empower students to find their own path to success. A key part of that mission is making sure students are prepared for what comes next—whether that’s college, career, or both.
Career Technical Education (CTE) plays an important role in that journey, giving students the opportunity to explore real-world career pathways while still in high school. Through hands-on learning and career exploration, students gain valuable skills and insight into their future.
At Visions, we offer a variety of CTE pathways so students can begin exploring their interests early. This spring, we expanded those opportunities by launching a new pilot course for juniors and seniors: Introduction to Construction Directed Project.
This innovative course gives students in grades 11 and 12 the opportunity to build hands-on construction skills, gain industry knowledge, and earn academic credit—all while exploring a potential career path.
Students and staff at the Pacific Gas & Electric(PG&E) field trip.
While the course is primarily online and self-paced, students also participate in hands-on projects through our partnership with Northern California Construction Training (NCCT). These in-person training sessions take place at Cal Expo in Sacramento and allow students to apply what they’ve learned in a real shop or worksite environment, bringing their skills to life through hands-on practice. Students have built several projects this semester including benches, tool boxes, bird houses, and creative shadow boxes.
To further support skill development and safety, students use Virtual Reality headset simulations at home, allowing them to safely practice techniques before stepping into a live environment.
Students also take part in field trips with local industry partners, including Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), where they learn directly from professionals and experience construction careers in action. “I am learning how to properly and safely use and manage power tools, how to work with others, and how the information I’ve learned can help me in a career in the trades,” shared Ray B., Independent Study 11th grader.
The Spring semester was the Pilot of the Intro to Construction class. Beginning next school year (2026/27) Visions will be offering this as a full year course with plans of continued growth. Through opportunities like this, Visions continues to equip students with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience they need to succeed beyond graduation.
“The Intro to Construction Directed Project course has equipped me with many valuable skills that will be beneficial in the near future. I learned how to use hand tools and powered tools, how to respond appropriately in hazardous situations, and how to protect myself by wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, the course also taught me construction-specific math and how to use a tape measure correctly while remembering what fractions go on what line. This course is preparing me for life after high school by introducing me to different types of trades and careers that align with my personal interests. I’ve come to realize that welding and operating heavy machinery are potential career options for me, as I’ve gained an interest in these areas and would possibly pursue a career in them in the future. Overall, this course has been extremely fun and offers a great opportunity to express creativity through the projects we build.” – Nevaeh S., Independent Study 11th grader
Last week, Visions students, staff, and parents gathered for the last class of the Spring semester, giving students the opportunity to present all the skills they have learned throughout this course.
To learn more about Visions’ current CTE offerings at any time, please visit our Support Services page.
