Career & Technical Education

Advisory Committee members represent business and industry, education, labor organizations, special populations, community, government, students, parents, guardians and teachers. The committees meet regularly to advise school officials on the design, development, delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of CTE programs. 

TPS high school students taking career and technical education (CTE) classes can earn dual high school and community/technical college credits. Students must complete the class, earn a ‘C’ or higher and register their class in the Statewide Enrollment and Reporting System (SERS).

Once a student’s class is registered in SERS their teacher can enter their final grade and colleges can use the information toward college credit.

How to register in SERS for college credit:

SERS Class Registration

• New students: click Create New SERS Account; Returning students, log in using your username and password.
• Select Register for Classes under the Registration menu.
• To find all classes, click Search. To narrow your search, use the drop-down arrows, then click Search.
• Checkmark the classes you are taking this current school year.
• Click the Register Classes button at the bottom of the page.
• Checkmark the teacher who is teaching your class.
• When you have made your selections, click, Save & Register
• To print a confirmation page for your records, click on the printer icon at the top.

Tacoma Public Schools is committed to developing innovative programs that are current with business and industry. Tacoma CTE strives to engage students in real-world learning, and empower students, parents and guardians to explore and engage in activities of interest to the individual student. Some CTE programs require specialized facilities and are only located at specific schools. Some innovative programs are only offered after school or during summer and are dependent upon partnership agreements.

Learn more about our CTE Courses 

The High School and Beyond Plan is a graduation requirement of Washington State and helps students get the most out of high school while preparing for their future. Students work with career guidance specialists, school counselors, and teachers to create their own personalized plan with goals for high school and beyond.

Find checklist for each grade level, along with helpful information.

High School and Beyond Plan

Tacoma Public Schools supports each student in attaining one or more Industry Recognized Credential that will advance their competitiveness for entry-level employment and post-secondary education opportunities.

Discover school-based certifications

Jobs 253 offers TPS high schoolers the opportunity to earn high school credit for graduation while gaining meaningful work experience through 40 hours of job training and experience, for which students can earn up to a $500 stipend. Students can earn a .5 CTE elective course for completing a self-directed Next Move Intro Course which develops professional skills essential to success in the workplace. 

LEARN MORe about jobs 253

Student leadership development is an essential component of career preparation for success in the work place. Extended learning activities provide students opportunities to collaborate, communicate, fundraise, get involved with community, and compete in local, regional, State, and national competitions.

Summer programming provides a unique opportunity that is not possible during the traditional school day.  Summer programs offer training from industry experts that lead directly to careers with the certifications required for employment. 

Learn more about summer credential program

Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Worksite Learning (WSL) are strategies that offer students hands-on career exploration and application of CTE knowledge, bridging the gap between education and careers. These approaches are particularly advantageous for students from low-income backgrounds and those lacking career exposure and networks. Additionally, students can earn high school credits for their work hours, with .5 credits awarded for every 180 hours in Worksite Learning.

Learn more about Worksite Learning here