High Schools in Washington
Construction Career Pathway Schools in Washington
Washington state emphasizes Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and community/technical colleges. These align with the Architecture & Construction career cluster, offering certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core/Level 1, OSHA-10/30, and industry credentials in areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction management. Programs focus on hands-on training, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Over 100,000 students participate in CTE programs annually, with statewide initiatives like Core Plus Construction integrating industry standards into high school curricula. Many schools partner with colleges for college credit while in high school.
Below is a compiled list from OSPI resources, district websites, and college directories. It’s organized by type (high school districts/career centers and community/technical colleges) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive (Washington has over 300 school districts with CTE elements); for full listings, visit OSPI’s CTE page (ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/career-technical-education-cte) or the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/career-technical-education).
High School Districts/Career Centers with Construction Pathways
These public districts and career centers offer CTE at the high school level, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options through community colleges. Many participate in Core Plus Construction, a statewide program for exploring construction careers.
| District/School/Center | Location | Program Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cascadia Technical Academy (Evergreen School District) | Vancouver, WA | Core Plus Construction Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on training in building trades, carpentry, electrical, plumbing; Work-based learning and apprenticeships; Dual enrollment with Clark College; Focus on real-world projects like home building. |
| Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center (Moses Lake School District) | Moses Lake, WA | CTE Construction Programs; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Training in carpentry, welding, and construction management; Dual enrollment options; Work-based learning with industry partners. |
| Tacoma Public Schools (Multiple high schools, e.g., Lincoln High School, Stadium High School) | Tacoma, WA | CTE Construction and Trades; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Dual high school and community/technical college credits; Focus on building trades and technical skills; Work-based learning opportunities. |
| Bellevue School District (Multiple high schools, e.g., Bellevue High School, Interlake High School) | Bellevue, WA | Architecture & Construction Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Courses in construction technology and management; Dual enrollment with Bellevue College; Hands-on projects and career exploration. |
| Puyallup School District (Multiple high schools, e.g., Puyallup High School, Rogers High School) | Puyallup, WA | CTE Construction Pathways; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Training in building trades with real-world applications; Dual enrollment options; Prepares students for apprenticeships or college. |
| Tukwila School District (Foster High School) | Tukwila, WA | CTE Pathways in Manufacturing and Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on training available at all high schools (varying by site); Work-based learning and industry credentials. |
| White River School District (White River High School) | Buckley, WA | CTE Construction and Technical Education; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Emphasis on real-world skills connecting academics to careers; Dual enrollment and apprenticeships. |
| Federal Way Public Schools (Multiple high schools, e.g., Federal Way High School, Todd Beamer High School) | Federal Way, WA | CTE Construction Programs; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Vary by school; Focus on career areas with dual credit opportunities; Work-based learning integrated. |
| Hanford High School (Richland School District) | Richland, WA | CTE Architecture & Construction Pathway; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Training in building trades; Dual enrollment options; Prepares for postsecondary and careers. |
| Walla Walla High School (Walla Walla Public Schools) | Walla Walla, WA | CTE Construction Courses; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Enhance post-high school educational pursuits and lifelong career objectives; Hands-on and leadership skills. |