Career & Technical Education
Career & Technical Education
About Our Programs
Fredericksburg City Public Schools proudly offers a variety of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs to prepare students in grades 6-12 for success in college, careers, and life. Our CTE programs provide:
- Competency-Based Instruction: Courses that combine academic knowledge with real-world skills.
- Industry-Recognized Credentials: Students in grades 9-12 can earn certifications in high-demand career fields.
- Work-Based Learning Experiences: Internships, externships, and career-related projects that help students gain professional experience.
- Student Organizations: Opportunities to join Virginia FBLA, Virginia DECA, Virginia SkillsUSA, and Virginia Educators Rising, which develop leadership and teamwork skills while exploring career paths.
With experienced teachers, partnerships with local businesses, and modern resources, FCPS gives students the tools to explore careers, earn certifications, and prepare for bright futures.
Learn more about our CTE pathways and how we are preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders.
A Message from the Superintendent
Fredericksburg City Public Schools is extremely excited about the progress we have made in Career and Technical Education for all students. As we approach the opening of the Walker-Grant Middle School, at the new location, a conscientious and comprehensive effort has been made to design the middle school with new-generation, cutting-edge, and rigorous courses to enable students to obtain industry-recognized certifications and high-quality work-based learning experiences once they enter James Monroe High School.
The goal is to prepare all students for continuing education, high-demand careers, high-level skills, and high wages — and especially what employers need and value in the workforce. To date, we have hosted two FCPS Superintendent Community Roundtable sessions to gain input and partnerships from our supportive community, established an FCPS CTE Advancing Engineering and Innovation Team, and hired a Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the division and two retired superintendent consultants.
We have met with our high school and middle school students to gain input from them regarding their vision for our CTE programs. They have reported that they would like to have a set plan for their lives and careers. We have communicated our needs to our stakeholders. The needs are space for our CTE expansion, equipment for the high-end demand courses we would like to offer our students and licensed faculty.
Thank you for your willingness to assist us in preparing our FCPS students with these 21st-century holistic skills.
Dr. Marci Catlett
Superintendent of Schools
Get Involved!
Recent CTE Events
- Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Mock Interview Day: On November 6, 2024, all CTE seniors participated in the Chamber of Commerce Mock Interview Day, an event designed to prepare local students for real-world career interviews. All James Monroe students in attendance arrived dressed for success with polished resumes, thanks to the support of the Giving Tree initiative. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity for students to practice interview skills and boost their confidence as they step toward future career opportunities. (View Gallery)
- Fort Walker EOD Team Visit to Robotics & Electronics Classes: On November 13, students from the Robotics and Electronics classes at JM welcomed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Fort Walker, who shared insights into the role of robotics in handling and neutralizing explosive devices. Students got to see advanced robotics technology in action and learned more about how engineering skills are applied to real-world challenges.
Upcoming CTE Events
- Court Visits and Guest Speakers for Business Law: This December, the Business Law class at JM will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legal field through interactive experiences in Fredericksburg. Students will visit the Fredericksburg City Courts to meet with Judge Willis. They will also have the chance to tour CRE Group, where they will speak with Andy Withers about career paths in the legal and business sectors. Later in the month, the class will welcome guest speakers Paul Riley, a local barbershop owner, and Chris Franklin, a practicing lawyer. These visitors will provide important perspectives on both entrepreneurial and legal career paths, offering a firsthand look into the practical applications of business law.
- Robotic and Technology Innovation Challenge at the University of Mary Washington's Dahlgren Campus: On February 28 and March 1, 2025, ten students from the James Monroe CTE Robotics and Technology class will compete in the High School Innovation Challenge at the University of Mary Washington's Dahlgren Campus. They will join over 100 students from across Virginia to explore STEM and engineering career pathways. The event provides students with opportunities to showcase their skills, deepen their understanding of STEM careers, and engage in problem-solving.