Skip to content
ABOUT CATEC
Slider is playing
Founded in 1973, Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center (CATEC) is a regional technical education center that helps high school students and adults obtain the jobs they seek. To learn more about our High School and Adult Education and Apprenticeship Programs, visit our CATEC Promotional Videos page. You can view our local media coverage and read our monthly newsletters here.
HIGH SCHOOL
The High School offers 9 programs wherein students have opportunities to practice hands-on and work-based learning activities alongside academically-driven curricula that prepare students to enter the workforce and/or continue their education. This is enhanced through partnerships with post-secondary institutions and employers. Students have opportunities to enrich their academic learning by participating in work-based experiences that include job shadows, internships, and apprenticeships.
Students who attend and complete CATEC programs have the opportunity to receive recognized certifications or credentials in their industry. These credentials are a valuable tool to gain full-time employment in growth industries with livable wages. Students finishing select CATEC programs receive, on average, 11 dual-enrollment college credits from local community colleges. Additionally, each CATEC program integrates career preparation through its workplace soft skills curriculum, providing students with professional development designed to help them begin their careers work-ready.
High School programs are currently offered at CATEC's main campus and at satellite campuses, with transportation to and from base school provided. CATEC serves students from Charlottesville City Schools and Albemarle County Public Schools students, as well as homeschooled and out-of-district students.
Click here to visit our High School page.
ADULT EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Adult Education and Apprenticeship programs are offered at CATEC's main campus. Training covers a range of technical education courses. The career and technical offerings will help lifelong learners: enhance current skills, gain new knowledge for increased job marketability, continue life-long learning, make life more enjoyable, or simply have fun. CATEC provides a positive place for post-secondary learning. Apprenticeship programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and provide employer sponsors and their employees with the required related technical instruction hours needed to satisfy a full Apprenticeship program.
Click here to visit our Adult Education and Apprenticeship Programs page.
VALUE, EQUITY, AND LEARNING
CATEC prides itself on its built-in value, equity-based programs, and contribution to students' learning journeys.
VALUE
CATEC provides built-in value. Students obtain work-based and project-based learning opportunities, workplace readiness training for a 21st century workforce, and industry-recognized certifications and credentials. 100% of our students receive work-based learning experiences, whether it is through field trips, guest speakers, internships, job shadows, Youth Registered Apprenticeships, or workplace readiness lessons.
EQUITY
CATEC is equitable. Our diverse learning community offers access to industry training, professionalism, and credentialing to all students, preparing them for living-wage and growth-driven careers in our community. Reflecting Charlottesville’s diverse population, CATEC allows all students opportunities for academic training in the industries of their choice.
THE LEARNING JOURNEY
CATEC is an important step in a student’s learning journey. A CATEC education links students’ previous learning experiences to their life goals by providing quality and affordable learning opportunities. CATEC offers programs that provide dual-enrollment opportunities for students through local community colleges. These credits allow students to seamlessly matriculate into college coursework when they choose.
OUR VISION
CATEC, in partnership with local community colleges and major employers, will serve as part of the regional training ladder across a range of CTE academies designed to result in employability within regional businesses and to give access to continued post-secondary training.
OUR MISSION
CATEC’s mission is to develop workforce skills and careers for both high school students and adults. CATEC is dedicated to preparing its students for quality career employment and lifelong learning.
PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS
CATEC programs are offered in conjunction with academic courses at area high schools to broaden students' learning experiences and meet the needs of our local community. Programs are competency-based and provide opportunities for students to gain new knowledge and skills. In order to complete a program at CATEC, students must master specific competencies or tasks as identified by the Virginia Department of Education. Competencies for each program have been reviewed and approved by business, trade, and education representatives. This review ensures that CATEC students are adequately prepared to enter the work force and are ready to continue to study further in a specific technical area and/or college. State competencies may be found at: http://www.cteresource.org/verso
The student will:
Become skilled in a career area of personal choice.
Develop creative and critical thinking skills.
Accept personal responsibility for behavior and learning.
Continue to learn and adapt to change.
Learn to respect the rights of others.
Gain self-esteem through achievement.
Prepare for licensure/certification where appropriate.
Learn to work in teams and develop leadership skills.
CATEC is operated by Charlottesville City Schools. Our center serves students in central Virginia from nearly a dozen schools:
CATEC LEADERSHIP
Dr. Stacey Heltz
Director
Kyle James
Assistant Principal
Shannon Tomlin
Adult Education and Apprenticeship Program Manager