Career and Technical Education

Questar III’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students in 11th and 12th grades with the academic and technical skills necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners. Our CTE programs are based out of two schools, Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy generally serving students in Rensselaer County, and Columbia-Greene Educational Center in Hudson, generally serving students in Columbia & Greene Counties.

In this rapidly evolving technical age, our students need to leave school prepared to be successful in further education and to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.  This means not only equipping students with the right skills and abilities, but also fostering creative problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and team work skills.  CTE half-day programs are a great way for students to prepare for the future. Explore all our Career Tech, Career Studies and New Visions programs through our course catalog.

Foundational to all CTE program are rigorous program standards and content standards that offer high school students the opportunity to learn career skills while earning a Regents diploma.  CTE programs provide students the opportunity to explore a career interest and develop specialized skills through hands-on learning and integrated academics.  Students are actively engaged in obtaining the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to succeed in college and the workplace. View our full program brochure.

Fact Sheet: CTE by the numbers

Enrolling In A Program

Prospective students must apply for a CTE or Career Studies program through their home school counseling office. Interested students are encouraged to visit our programs and work with their home school counselor to complete an interest form to submit their application. Check out here for more information on how to enroll in a Career Tech or Career Studies program.

Student Support Services

• Guidance Services

Programs

Career Tech

Career Tech programs offer students in grades 11 & 12 advanced, hands-on training in a variety of career fields. These programs progress through curricula quickly and prepare students for in-demand, 21st century careers as well as whatever comes next in their life journey – whether that is attending college, joining the workforce, enlisting in the military or pursuing any number of other paths.

• Automotive Technologies I & II
• Aviation I & II
• Construction Technologies I & II
• Cosmetology I & II
• Criminal Justice I & II
• Culinary Arts I & II
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Health Careers (seniors only; CGEC only)
• Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• HVAC & Renewable Energies I & II
• Nursing Assistant (seniors only)
• Information Technology I & II (REC only)
• Welding/Metal Fabrication I/Welding/Machine Tool II (CGEC only)

Career Studies Programs

Career Studies programs provide high school students (ages 16-21) with entry-level training in a technical area or trade at an alternative learning pace. These programs are designed to provide more customized career instruction and experience in a supportive learning environment. Career Studies programs have a small student-teacher ratio and are taught by certified teachers with substantial real-world experience in their given trade. The smaller class size provides an individualized course of instruction that helps the student to become successful in the world of work.

• Automotive Services
• Building Trades
• Introduction to Employment
• Introduction to Food Services

New Visions Programs

New Visions students gain valuable insight into career options from a real-world perspective. A 1-year, honors-level program, New Visions turns area businesses, health care facilities and government buildings into classrooms for highly motivated, academically successful high school seniors.

• Medical
• Scientific Research & World Health
• STEM
• Visual & Performing Arts
• Pathways in Education
• Emergency Preparedness, Informatics, Cyber and Homeland Security (EPICH)

Theatre Institute at Sage

The Theatre Institute at Sage (TIS) Internship Program provides high school seniors with the opportunity to explore careers in theatre performance and production through a combination of project-based experiences, integrated academics, and traditional classroom instruction.

Tech Valley High School

Tech Valley High School (TVHS) is a four-year regional public high school that is built on the principles of project-based learning and collaboration. Students engage in hands-on projects based in authentic applications of New York state learning standards. We serve approximately 140 students in grades 9-12. The mission of Tech Valley High is to provide a unique, innovative and student-centered educational opportunity, engage students in current and emerging technologies and support the growth and economy of the region.

Students can also take select classes at Capital Region BOCES. Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselors for the latest information on open houses and enrollment.

Business Partnerships

Questar III partners with various employers, colleges, labor unions, government and human service providers to prepare a 21st-century workforce. Learn more…

QIII Job Board

Our CTE programs prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Our QIII Job Board gives students the opportunity to find the job that’s right for them.