Overview of Oregon CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to integrate academic, technical, and employability skills for postsecondary education, industry credentials, or workforce entry. These programs emphasize work-based learning (WBL) as a critical capstone within the Career Connected Learning (CCL) framework, per ODE’s Perkins V State Plan (2024-2028). The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like construction technology, carpentry, electrical trades, HVAC, plumbing, and drafting. To complete a state-approved CTE Program of Study (POS) and earn an endorsement (e.g., on the transcript), students must:
- Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits), aligned to industry-validated Oregon Skill Sets.
- Earn an industry-recognized credential (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1) or complete structured WBL (e.g., 100+ hours).
- Participate in WBL, such as internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing, which bridges classroom learning to real-world application and meets federal Perkins V quality indicators.
WBL is coordinated locally by school districts, Education Service Districts (ESDs), and regional consortia, funded via Perkins V grants (~$17M annually in 2024-25), CTE Revitalization Grants ($7.6M for 74 schools in 2024, expanding into 2025-26), and state initiatives like Secondary Career Pathway Funding (HB 3072). Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it prioritizes paid/unpaid placements in high-demand trades, often through partnerships with community colleges (e.g., Lane Community College) and industry groups like the Architecture Foundation of Oregon. Oregon’s construction sector projects 10% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$48,000+ amid shortages; in 2024-25, over 1,000 CTE programs served ~150,000 students, with completers achieving 95%+ graduation rates and 85% postsecondary/workforce placement.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction
ODE’s primary internship mechanism is WBL, a capstone in approved POS under the CCL framework, emphasizing equitable, high-quality experiences via the ODE WBL Rubric (aligned to Perkins V). For Construction pathways, it involves supervised placements applying skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms or sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours or dual credits. Team Oregon Build, an ODE-funded CCL project, integrates hands-on construction projects (e.g., building sheds/cottages) with WBL for community service and skill-building. WBL requires a training agreement, mentor supervision, and evaluations; it counts toward POS completion if 100+ hours and uses the ODE self-guided WBL course for coordinators.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work-Based Learning Internship in Construction (CTE Capstone, e.g., via POS WI03) | 0.5-1 (semester/full-year) | Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, HVAC, or project management. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio development; leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials. Integrates SkillsUSA and Team Oregon Build projects for hands-on trades. | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; training agreement per ODE WBL Rubric. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid options via grants/employers ($10-15/hour). |
| Team Oregon Build WBL Internship (ODE-Funded CCL Project) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Exploratory/Application (Grades 9-12) | Paid/unpaid hands-on roles (15+ hours/week) in service-based construction (e.g., building community structures); emphasizes STEM/CTE integration and mentorship. Partners with ESDs and colleges for pre-apprenticeship hours; addresses housing needs while earning credentials. | High school enrollment; pathway interest; application via school/ESD coordinator (fall deadlines). Targets underrepresented students; no prior experience required. Paid stipends via CTE Revitalization Grants. |
| Pre-Apprenticeship Internship (e.g., via ACE Mentor Program or Pacific NW Carpenters) | 1-2 | Advanced (Seniors) | Structured placement (200+ hours) with industry sponsors (e.g., contractors, unions), combining site work and RTI; focuses on sustainable design or trades. Includes mock interviews/budgeting; leads to journeyman path. | Age 16+; pathway enrollment; ILP alignment. Application through Portland Workforce Alliance or school; hazardous work waiver for minors. Paid; funded by Perkins V. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2025-26 ODE POS frameworks):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Construction Technology I (1 cr.), Carpentry Fundamentals (1 cr.), Electrical Trades (1 cr.), Drafting and Design (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction Trades with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or AWS credentials.
District and Program Examples
ODE approves POS in ~300 high schools via 19 ESDs and regional consortia, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~150 sites through hands-on labs and NCCER-accredited programs. Partnerships with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, Portland Workforce Alliance, and SkillsUSA enhance WBL. Examples:
- Salem-Keizer School District (Salem-Keizer CTEC): Residential construction pathway with paid internships (e.g., 43 students in 2025 behavioral-health tied program, expanding to trades); partners with industry for framing/roofing placements; 85%+ completers earn credentials.
- Portland Public Schools (e.g., Benson Polytechnic High): Construction management POS with ACE Mentor Program internships (12-week hands-on projects); dual credits via Portland Community College; focuses on urban trades with 90% workforce transition.
- Eugene School District 4J (Future Build): Team Oregon Build capstone with WBL at community sites; serves diverse students with carpentry/HVAC focus; funded by CTE Revitalization Grants.
- Klamath Falls City Schools (Eagle Ridge High): Building trades pathway with apprenticeships via Klamath Community College; emphasizes rural infrastructure and paid summer roles.
- Beaverton School District (Sunset High): Expanding construction POS with WBL via Lane ESD; includes mock interviews and SkillsUSA competitions.
For a full list, see the Approved CTE Programs Detail or Career Area Resources.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- CTE Revitalization Grants: $7.6M in 2024 (ongoing into 2025) for construction-focused programs, including WBL expansion in 74 schools.
- Oregon Skill Sets: Industry-validated skills for construction POS, integrated into WBL.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; funded via Perkins V and CTE Grants-in-Aid.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator or ESD; WBL apps via district (fall/spring). Use ODE’s WBL Self-Guided Course for guidance; working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates (15.5% higher than average); construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement.
For details, visit ODE CTE Page or email CTE@ode.oregon.gov. Oregon’s housing/infrastructure boom demands 12,000+ skilled construction workers annually.