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Career Clusters

What are Career Clusters?

Career clusters are 16 categories of related jobs and industries based on the skills or products they involve. Within each cluster, there are career pathways that correspond to a collection of courses and training opportunities to prepare students for a chosen career.

Follow the links below to view information about the education and training requirements for high school graduates and other useful resources.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources*

Architecture & Construction

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications*

Business, Management & AdministratioN*

Education & Training

FinancE*

Government & Public Administration

Health SciencE*

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services*

Information Technology*

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Manufacturing

MarketinG*

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics*

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Career Pathways

A career pathway is a sequence of education and jobs that lead to your career goals. A career pathway may not be linear and may chart a path through more than one programs of study or career industries.

To choose the best courses that fit your future goals, explore the many pathway options.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, all under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field.

After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.” https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/become-an-apprentice

Some students will start at a technical college and will be set up with an apprenticeship through the college program, while other students will apply directly for an apprenticeship. Keep in mind that keeping your math and English skills fresh will be important. For example, for an IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship you’d have to pass an aptitude test that includes math and reading comprehension.

What:

Earn while you learn.
In-demand careers (e.g., electrician, manufacturing)

Fit:

Interest in the trades.
Enjoy hands-on work.
Balance of work and class.
14% < age 21

Next Steps:

Check out the list of apprenticeships preparation programs at https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-preparation until a spot opens up.
Explore the Career Connect Washington website for programs that you get hands-on experience, such as pre-apprenticeships or internships.

Career Training

What:

Specialized training, degrees, licensing, or certificates
Some employer-sponsored for seamless hiring

Fit:

Hands-on specialized career training (e.g., Gene Juarez Academy, PIMA
Costs vary but can be expensive
Limited "transfer" options

Next Steps:

Contact program
Take a tour and meet with an advisor
Estimate costs with a Net Price Calculator
Ask about transfer credit and financial aid
Explore the Career Connect Washington website for programs that you get hands-on experience, such as pre-apprenticeships or internships.

Trade & Certificate Programs

Trade or vocational programs can offer a more hands-on learning such as medical assistance, web designs. Many colleges offer certificate programs in addition to 4-year degrees.

Technical Colleges often work directly with local industry to develop their programs, which in turn ensures that graduates are prepared for jobs at particular companies. For example, LWTech students received job offers at Boeing, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Space X and others.

Students can also get started on their post-high school careers by taking CTE dual credit courses in high school through programs such as WANIC or Running Start.

What:

Associate, transfer, and some bachelor's degrees
Certificates

Fit:

Affordable
Transfer credit
Flexible schedule

Next Steps:

Research schools and careers at https://www.sbctc.edu/
Apply (usually spring of senior year for fall admission)

2-Year Community College

Some students will opt to earn an associate degree (AA or DTA) at a Community College.

Students can also get at head start through programs like WANIC and Running Start and even earn an AA through two years of full-time Running Start along with their high school diploma and then transfer to a university to finish their Bachelor’s Degree (BA).

What:

Associate, transfer, and some bachelor's degrees
Certificates

Fit:

Affordable
Transfer credit
Flexible schedule

Next Steps:

Research schools and careers at https://www.sbctc.edu/
Apply (usually spring of senior year for fall admission

4-Year College or University

Military

What:

Serve full/part-time in the U.S. Armed Forces
Enlisted route vs. Officer route.

Fit:

Physical and mental fitness.
Understand risks and duties.
Training, education, and benefits in exchange for service.
Strong leadership for officer/college route.

Next Steps:

Academy Information Visits and ROTC
Take the ASVAB (enlisted)
Research ROTC and Service Academy routes, including summer programs.

Work

What:

Hourly jobs
Temporary plan

Fit:

Student saving for post-high school education.
Needs access to employer tuition assistance.
Has basic employment skills.
Plan for basic living expenses (live at home or away).

Next Steps:

Discuss the plan with parents and counselor.
Create or update your resume.
Access career resources at Work Source
Job Corps
Find employers w/tuition assistance
Visit Job Corps website at https://www.jobcorps.gov/
LinkedIn is great resource for searching jobs and get recruited by employers. Consider creating a LinkedIn profile.

GAP Year

What:

An interim year between high school and higher education
Volunteer service, travel, cultural exchange, internships, and more

Fit:

Students may need time to mature or identify plans before investing $$ in college
Structured plans important

Next Steps:

Research Programs.
Assess benefits and costs.
Apply to college senior year. Ask for deferral if admitted.

LWHS CTE Graduation Pathways

A graduation requirement is completion of a Graduation Pathway which is chosen by a student and must be aligned with their High School and Beyond Plan.

One of those Pathways is the CTE Graduation Pathway in which students complete a sequence of 2.0 or more CTE credits in a CTE Pathway that either includes a dual college credit course or leads to an industry recognized credential.

High School & Beyond Plan

Connecting Today's Interests with Your Future

The High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) is a personalized graduation requirement for students in Washington state. It helps students explore their interests and connect them with relevant courses and career pathways. The plan also assists students in identifying the steps needed to achieve their postsecondary goals.

HSBP Annual Required Activities in Xello

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their high school experience by selecting coursework and activities that align with their goals. The plan also provides a means of tracking requirements for graduation from high school and entry into postsecondary programs and careers. Each year, students have required activities in Xello to complete as part of the HSBP.

Career Exploration

Understanding yourself can help you identify careers that you will find the most success and satisfaction. Career assessments are tools that help with this process.

Learn More (Videos)

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