Overview of Virginia CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 17 national career clusters to prepare students for postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), or high-skill, high-wage careers. These programs integrate academics with technical skills, emphasizing high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) as a capstone for pathway completion, per the VDOE CTE HQWBL Guide (updated 2024). 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, drafting, and utility/heavy construction. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE concentration (e.g., on the transcript, contributing to the Diploma Seal for CTE), students must:
- Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits), aligned to Virginia’s CTE curriculum frameworks.
- Earn an IRC (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1) or complete structured HQWBL (e.g., 100+ hours).
- Participate in HQWBL, one of 12 methods (e.g., internships, cooperative education, youth apprenticeships), regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Virginia child labor laws.
HQWBL is coordinated locally by school divisions, often through Work-Based Learning coordinators, funded via Perkins V grants (~$15M annually) and initiatives like the Governor’s STEM Academies. Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it prioritizes paid/unpaid placements in high-demand trades, with 100% participation targeted in some academies. Virginia’s construction sector projects 10% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$50,000+ amid shortages; in 2024-25, ~200,000 students enrolled in CTE, with completers achieving 95%+ graduation rates.
Key Internship Program: High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) in Architecture & Construction
VDOE’s primary internship mechanism is HQWBL, integrated into CTE pathways via the 2024-25 CTE Resource Center frameworks. For Construction, 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 with community colleges. HQWBL requires a training agreement, mentor supervision, and evaluations; it counts toward pathway completion if aligned to career goals and uses the VDOE HQWBL Guide for implementation. Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) and VDOT partnerships enhance construction-specific opportunities.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internship in Construction Trades (HQWBL Capstone, e.g., via Construction Technology III) | 1-2 (full-year) | Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, electrical, or heavy equipment. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio development; leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials. Integrates SkillsUSA and VTCA for industry partnerships. | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/WBL coordinator recommendation; training agreement per VDOE HQWBL Guide. Parent consent; FLSA compliance; quarterly site visits. Paid options via employers ($10-15/hour). |
| Cooperative Education in Building Trades (Course Variation, e.g., Utility/Heavy Construction II) | 1 | Capstone (Seniors) | Year-long paid work-study (15+ hours/week) combining RTI with on-site trades like plumbing/masonry; culminates in capstone project and IRC. Offered in Governor’s STEM Academies. | Senior status; pathway enrollment; ILP alignment; employer match via local advisory councils. WBL coordinator required; hazardous work waiver for 16+. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Youth Registered Apprenticeship in Construction (VDOT/VTCA Partners) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Advanced (Juniors/Seniors) | Structured paid apprenticeship (200+ hours) with DOL-registered contractors (e.g., VDOT sites), emphasizing infrastructure trades; includes RTI and leads to journeyman hours. Targets underrepresented students. | Age 16+; pathway interest; application via school coordinator. Aligns with Virginia Works; DOL waiver for minors. Paid; funded by Perkins V. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2024-25 VDOE frameworks):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Construction Technology I (1 cr.), Electrical Trades (1 cr.), Carpentry Fundamentals (1 cr.), HVAC Systems (1 cr.).
- Application (HQWBL Capstone): Advanced Construction with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or AWS credentials.
District and Program Examples
VDOE approves CTE pathways in ~330 high schools and 50+ career centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~200 sites via NCCER-accredited facilities and Governor’s STEM Academies. Partnerships with VTCA, VDOT, and SkillsUSA enhance HQWBL. Examples:
- Pulaski County Public Schools (Governor’s STEM Academy): Construction pathway at Pulaski County High School with internships in electricity/heavy equipment; dual credits via New River Community College; serves 263 students (grades 10-12) with 100% HQWBL target.
- Hampton City Schools (Architecture & Applied Arts Governor’s STEM Academy): Design/Pre-Construction focus with annual internships via business partnerships; 100% student participation in HQWBL; emphasizes engineering and visual arts integration.
- Chesterfield County Public Schools (Governor’s Career and Technical Academy for Engineering Studies): Engineering Technology pathway at Lloyd C. Bird High School with co-ops in construction management; partners with VCU School of Engineering for mentorships.
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools: Building trades at state-of-the-art centers with practicums; 83.3% IRC pass rate in 2024-25; urban infrastructure focus.
- Fairfax County Public Schools: Construction POS with VDOT-linked apprenticeships; high placement in roadway design/inspection.
For a full list, see the VDOE CTE Program Areas or CTE Resource Center Career Clusters.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Governor’s STEM Academies: 20+ statewide academies with built-in HQWBL; e.g., Pulaski and Hampton target construction pathways.
- VTCA/V DOT Initiatives: Workforce events and apprenticeships; e.g., VDOT summer interns (2025) in construction inspection, open to high schoolers.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; on the Virginia High Demand Occupations List, funded via Perkins V.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator or WBL specialist; apps via district (fall deadlines). Use VDOE’s HQWBL Guide for agreements; YouthRules! for FLSA compliance.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement.
For details, visit VDOE CTE Page or email cte@doe.virginia.gov. Virginia’s infrastructure projects demand 15,000+ construction workers annually.