Waltham Career & Technical Education

As a member of the Collision Technology team, students will learn through consecutive years of study how to diagnose & estimate damages, work with customers and insurance companies, and ultimately repair automobiles that have sustained damage from an accident. They will learn about the many systems within a car and apply that knowledge in a practical, hands-on shop setting. Students will work on ‘practice’ cars as well as customer’s vehicles. From hot rods to classic antiques and custom fabrication, to repairing late model car wrecks, this industry is both exciting and challenging. We encourage any student with an interest in fine details and craftsmanship to join our team! All classes emphasize safety and standards required by prospective future employers. The students will learn to work together safely as well as independently, developing their self-confidence. They will learn that “working with your hands” is not easy and requires knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge. Students will have access to professional/commercial equipment and tools, and work in a large, well-ventilated shop area.

One of the biggest benefits of participating in a CTE Ch.74 program, is that it gives you options, meaning you don't have to decide right away what you are going to do.  Vocational education at WHS gives students the choice of entering the workforce directly after graduation, attending college or in some cases both.   

How do we do this?  Well by participating in a vocational program, you can earn your certification and get a good paying, technical job right out of high school….no more traditional schooling...no applying for student loans to pay for college….you are trained and ready to join the workforce in a variety of different careers.  These careers include ones like a Certified Nursing Assistant, Preschool Teacher, Automotive Technician, Chef, and more!  

You can also choose to attend college if your career choice requires you to further your education.  Vocational program students who choose to attend college can even take advantage of one of our articulation agreements with local colleges….similar to AP classes...you can earn college credit for work you’ve completed in high school!  

We also have many students who do BOTH!  For example, they will graduate from WHS, earning their CNA certification through our Health Assisting program, get a good paying part time job at a hospital AND go to college to become a Registered Nurse. 

College

Students who wish to continue their education at the college/university level and successfully complete the requirements of their Ch.74 Vocational Program, may be able to take advantage of one of our many articulation agreements with local colleges/universities.  Articulation agreements allow students who meet certain criteria to be exempt from certain classes, earning credit for those for work completed in their high school CTE program.  

Current Articulations for Carpentry:

• ALL Massachusetts Community Colleges, including Middlesex and MassBay

• Keene State College

• Nashua Community College

• New England Institute of Technology

Career

Students who participate in our Collision Program can pursue the following career pathways directly after high school:

• Auto Body Repairers

• Glaziers

• Painting and Coating workers

• Small Business Owner

Related career pathways that require post secondary education or training:

• Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, and Investigators

Sequence of Courses

CTE Exploratory - 9th Grade only

• College Prep Level

• 5 credits

• Full year

Collision 1 - 10th or 11th Grade

• College Prep Level

• 5 credits

• Full year

Collision 2 - 11th or 12th Grade

• Honors Level

• 15 credits

• Full year

Collision 3 - 12th Grade

• Honors Level

• 20 credits

• Full year