Career Preparation (9-12)

About Career Preparation in High School

Career preparation equips high school students with the tools they need to succeed after graduation—whether in college, skilled trades, or the workforce. It combines classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and guidance to help students explore and plan for life after high school.

• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Students take specialized courses in areas like healthcare, business, IT, construction, culinary arts, or automotive technology.
• Work-Based Learning: Opportunities like job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, or co-op programs connect students with real employers and workplaces.
• Career Activities: Career fairs, guest speakers, and industry tours expose students to different career options.
• Postsecondary Planning: Students receive support with college applications, resumes, mock interviews, and financial aid.
• Certifications & Dual Enrollment: Some students earn industry-recognized credentials or college credits while still in high school.

The goal is to ensure every student graduates with a plan, a purpose, and practical experience.

Opportunities for College & Career Readiness

• Career Accelerator Program (CAP - Pre-Internship)
• Career & Technical Education (CTE)
• Work-Based Learning
• Oakland Schools Technical Campus
• Dual Enrollment
• Employability (Durable) Skills

Career Accelerator Program (CAP - Pre-Internship)

The Career Accelerator Program enhances the educational experience of high school juniors and seniors in the Troy School District by exposing them to the world of work through a 20-hour "pre-internship" experience. Students learn from professionals and explore career opportunities while connecting academic learning to tangible professional experiences. Participating businesses find it easy to engage with students and share their expertise.

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) combines academic instruction with hands-on, real-world experiences to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. CTE programs focus on industry-specific knowledge and skills while fostering 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Program Offerings

• Marketing
• Business Administration Management and Operations (BAMO)
• Finance
• Culinary Arts
• Education
• Automotive
• Mechanical Drafting
• Mechatronics
• Radio and Broadcasting
• Drafting and Design
• Computer Programming
• Computer Security (Cybersecurity)

For more information, please reach out to your student’s counselor.

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning involves sustained and progressively intensive interactions with employers or community professionals in real workplace settings or simulated environments. These experiences foster in-depth, first-hand engagement with career-specific tasks aligned to curriculum, instruction, and CTE program standards.

Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC)

Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC) are designed for students who want to graduate high school with industry certifications, on-the-job experiences, business connections, and college credits. OSTCs serve as extensions of district high schools, offering customized, self-directed learning to guide students toward future career success. The goal is to help students find the best program fit for their interests, experiences, and goals.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll in college courses for both high school and college credit. The Postsecondary Enrollment Option Act (PA 160 of 1996) establishes this opportunity for Michigan high school students when certain criteria are met. Dual enrollment provides rigorous academic challenges to maintain students' academic interests.

Employability (Durable) Skills

Employability skills are core abilities, habits, and personal qualities that help individuals get, keep, and succeed in a job—regardless of their career field. These skills focus on how you work, interact with others, and adapt in a professional environment. They complement technical training and are essential for thriving in the workplace.

• Resource Kit
• Sample Lessons
• Job Readiness Skills