Overview of West Virginia CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to prepare students for postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), or workforce entry. These programs integrate academics with hands-on technical skills, emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) as a capstone through initiatives like Classroom 2 Career and Simulated Workplace. The Architecture & Construction career cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment, with pathways in areas like building maintenance and operations, carpentry, computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), electrical technician, HVAC technician, masonry, and plumbing. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE concentration (e.g., on the transcript, contributing to graduation requirements), students must:
- Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits).
- Earn an IRC (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Core/Level 1-2, EPA 608 Universal) or complete structured WBL (e.g., 100+ hours).
- Participate in WBL, such as internships, apprenticeships, or cooperative education, per WVDE’s Simulated Workplace protocols and Perkins V State Plan.
WBL is coordinated locally by school districts and career-technical centers, funded via Perkins V grants and state support. Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it prioritizes paid/unpaid placements in high-demand trades, with Simulated Workplace transforming classrooms into authentic worksites for skill application. West Virginia’s construction sector projects 8% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$45,000+ amid shortages; in 2024-25, CTE served ~50,000 high school students, with completers achieving 95%+ graduation rates.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction
WVDE’s primary internship mechanism is WBL through the Classroom 2 Career initiative, integrated into CTE pathways as capstones. For Construction, it involves supervised placements applying skills like site safety, blueprint reading, and trades at firms or sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours. Simulated Workplace requires safe work areas, teams, and drug-free zones during advanced courses, enabling IRCs like NCCER. WBL requires a training agreement, mentor supervision, and evaluations; it counts toward concentration status if aligned to the Individual Graduation Plan.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom 2 Career Internship in Construction Trades (WBL Capstone) | 1 (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 electrical under mentor supervision. Includes reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio development; leads to NCCER Core/Level 1-2 or OSHA 10 credentials. Integrates Simulated Workplace protocols for authentic experiences. | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; training agreement. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid options via employer partners ($10-15/hour). |
| Cooperative Education in Building Maintenance (Advanced Variation) | 0.5-1 | Capstone (Seniors) | Part-time paid work-study (15+ hours/week) in operations like plumbing/masonry; combines RTI with on-site tasks, culminating in capstone project. Emphasizes maintenance for public facilities. | Senior status; pathway enrollment; good attendance; employer match via district. WBL coordinator required; counts toward CTE concentration. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Pre-Apprenticeship WBL in CADD/Design (Pathway-Specific) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Advanced (Juniors/Seniors) | Structured placement (200+ hours) with design firms, applying drafting skills; includes job shadowing and ADDA certification prep. Targets underrepresented students via Perkins equity focus. | Age 16+; technical credits in CADD; application via school. Aligns with WVDE WBL continuum; hazardous waiver for minors. Paid/unpaid; leads to journeyman path. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2024-25 WVDE frameworks):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Carpentry I (1 cr.), Electrical Technician (1 cr.), HVAC Technician (1 cr.), Plumbing (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Trades with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or EPA 608 credentials.
District and Program Examples
WVDE approves CTE pathways in ~150 high schools and 50+ career-technical centers, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~100 sites via NCCER-accredited programs. Partnerships with SkillsUSA, WV Manufacturers Association, and local unions enhance WBL. Examples:
- Kanawha County Schools (e.g., Capital High School): Carpentry/HVAC pathways with Classroom 2 Career internships at regional builders; Simulated Workplace labs lead to paid placements; 85%+ completers earn NCCER and enter apprenticeships.
- Monongalia County Schools (e.g., University High School): CADD/electrical focus with co-ops via WVU partnerships; emphasizes design for infrastructure; high WBL participation (90%+ workforce/college transition).
- Cabell County Career-Technical Center: Building maintenance POS with pre-apprenticeship WBL in plumbing/masonry; serves multiple districts with employer-matched sites.
- Raleigh County Schools: Construction technology pathway with summer apprenticeships; rural focus on heavy equipment via Perkins grants.
- Wood County Technical Center: Masonry/electrical with Simulated Workplace internships; integrates NOCTI assessments for credentials.
For a full list, see the WVDE CTE Career Clusters or 2024-25 Program of Studies.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Simulated Workplace: Transforms advanced courses into worksites for IRCs like NCCER; required in 3rd/4th pathway levels.
- NOCTI Assessments: Provides Workforce Competency Credentials; integrated into WBL for skill validation.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER, ADDA; funded via Perkins V and promoted for West Virginia Workforce Entry Certificate.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via district (fall deadlines). Use Discover Your Future for exploration; working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement, addressing 5,000+ annual openings.
For details, visit WVDE CTE Page or email cte@wvde.k12.wv.us. West Virginia’s infrastructure investments drive demand for skilled trades.