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Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Building Skills Through Community Partnerships

Highland students benefit from a strong network of community resources that support both academic growth and career readiness. Through platforms like ExcelExercises.com, students build technical skills and gain practical experience that prepares them for college and the workforce.

CTE Courses Offered at Highland School of Technology

Gaston County Schools offers a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to help students explore future careers and gain real-world skills. At Highland, students can choose from several hands-on CTE classes, including:

  • Internships and Apprenticeships 
  • Accounting, Marketing, and Microsoft Excel
  • Adobe Creative Tools
  • Business Essentials and Financial Planning
  • Health Sciences, Biomedical Technology, Dental Science, and Nursing Fundamentals
  • Cisco Network Engineering, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, Cybersecurity, and Python Programming
  • Engineering Technology
  • 3D Modeling, Animation, and Game Art and Design

These courses give students a chance to learn valuable job skills, explore career paths, and prepare for life after graduation.

Proof of Learning (POL)
All students enrolled in a CTE course must complete a Proof of Learning (POL) assessment. This project or exam counts as 20% of the student’s final grade and helps show what they’ve learned in the course.

WorkKeys Assessment
Seniors who complete a full four-course CTE career cluster, including at least one advanced-level course, will take the WorkKeys assessment. Developed by ACT, WorkKeys measures essential job skills. Eligible students can earn a National Career Readiness Certificate—a valuable credential recognized by employers across the country.