Clovis Unified showcases hands-on career pathways at CTE Night

Two kids enjoy one of the many interactive booths at the annual CTE event. (Photo by Steven Sandage, Clovis Roundup)

January 29, 2025 – Hundreds of students and parents gathered at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building on Tuesday night for Clovis Unified’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Night, an event designed to showcase the district’s 21 career pathways and provide hands-on demonstrations in fields ranging from welding and automotive technology to health care and software development.

The event, held annually, gives prospective students the opportunity to meet with instructors and currently enrolled CTE students to gain a better understanding of the district’s diverse technical education programs. Throughout the evening, attendees rotated through interactive stations where students demonstrated skills they’ve learned in class, such as 3-D printing, CPR, and construction techniques.

One of the most anticipated features of the night was the debut of two new, state-of-the-art CTE teaching tools. The Patient Care and Emergency Response pathway showcased an ambulance simulator, allowing attendees to experience the training environment used by students pursuing careers in emergency medical services. Meanwhile, the Residential and Commercial Construction pathway introduced its new tabletop simulator, which provides training for backhoe, forklift, and skid steer certification—critical skills for those entering the construction industry.

Margaret Files, Clovis Unified’s Director of CTE, emphasized the importance of real-world experience in helping students make informed decisions about their futures. “This event allows students to see, touch, and experience different career pathways rather than just reading about them,” Files said. “They also learn about college credit opportunities, industry certifications, and internships that can give them a head start in their chosen field.”

Clovis Unified’s CTE programs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness. Many courses offer students the chance to shadow professionals in their industries, gaining firsthand experience in careers they may want to pursue after high school. Some students have observed surgical procedures in hospitals, while others have trained with local firefighters, dressed in full gear, for emergency response exercises.

The district’s career pathways include a diverse range of fields, such as Agricultural Mechanics, Engineering Design, Environmental Resources, Food Service and Hospitality, and Systems Diagnostics, Service, and Repair. Each pathway is structured to provide students with practical skills, certifications, and connections to potential employers.

As CTE registration for the 2025-26 school year opens, Tuesday’s event gave families an opportunity to explore their options and make informed decisions about course enrollment. Students who enroll in CTE courses not only gain hands-on experience but also have opportunities to earn industry-standard certifications and dual enrollment credits, making them more competitive in both college admissions and the job market.

For those who were unable to attend, more information about Clovis Unified’s CTE programs, including detailed descriptions of each pathway, can be found at Clovis Unified’s CTE Pathways.

CTE Night once again proved to be an invaluable resource for students looking to explore career-focused education. With its hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance from instructors and current students, the event provided a clear pathway for those eager to jumpstart their future careers.