Career & Technical Ed

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Somerville High School provide students with valuable opportunities to explore careers, develop hands-on skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Through industry-aligned coursework, state-of-the-art equipment, and partnerships with local organizations and employers, CTE helps students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and pathways toward college, careers, and lifelong learning. These programs support a wide range of interests and prepare students with the technical knowledge, collaboration skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.

During their first year at Somerville High School, ninth-grade students explore all Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs through rotations during the first three academic quarters. In the fourth quarter, students select three programs of interest. Based on student interests and instructor feedback, students are placed into one of these programs to continue their CTE pathway and build deeper skills through progressively advanced coursework in future years.

CTE Application: in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole

Somerville High School’s CTE programs offer articulation agreements that create seamless pathways from high school to college and careers. These partnerships align coursework with post-secondary programs, helping students avoid course duplication, earn potential college credit, and continue their education with a strong foundation. All CTE programs have established career pathways and articulation agreements. 

If you have expertise, interest or can offer a diverse relationship with any of our programs, please contact Somerville High School CTE Director James Hachey for more information.

Programs

The Automotive Technology Program at Somerville High School is NATEF-certified, preparing students for ASE certification and careers in the automotive industry. Through intensive hands-on training, students develop technical, math, and computer skills while building pathways to employment and continued education with leading automotive manufacturers.

Certifications

  • OSHA – 10
  • ASE – End of program exam

The Somerville High School Automotive Technology Program provides students with strong pathways to further education and careers through articulation agreements with institutions including Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Wyoming Technical Institute, and Universal Technical Institute. Program graduates have gone on to work in the automotive industry with companies such as Honda of Boston, Colonial VW, Bonney Automotive, Boston VW, U-Haul of Somerville, and Green Cab of Somerville, demonstrating the program’s ability to prepare students for success in the workforce. 

The Carpentry Program prepares students for careers in the construction industry through hands-on training in safety, tools, construction techniques, and residential building and remodeling. Students gain real-world experience through offsite projects, cooperative work opportunities, and pathways to post-secondary education through articulation agreements. The program also incorporates business skills to support students’ future success. 

Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations 

  • OSHA-30
  • First aid and AED/CPR certification
  • Ladder Safety Certification
  • Carpenter Local 218
  • Laborers Local 55

The Residential Carpentry Program connects students with post-secondary pathways through partnerships with Bunker Hill Community College and apprenticeship programs. Graduates have gone on to careers with companies including Boston Closet and Shanlee Construction.

The Cosmetology Program prepares students for Massachusetts licensure through 1,000 hours of hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. Graduates are eligible to take the state licensing exam and begin careers in the cosmetology industry.

Cosmetology graduates have gone on to work at salons and organizations including Roffi Salon, Supercuts, Massachusetts General Hospital, Hair by Christine, and Vidal Sassoon. Students also earn industry-recognized credentials such as the Massachusetts Cosmetology License, OSHA 10-hour Certification, and OPI Nail Certification.

The Culinary Arts Program at Somerville High School provides hands-on training in food preparation, pastry arts, culinary techniques, and the restaurant industry. The Baking Program provides students with hands-on experience in commercial baking and pastry production while developing skills in food safety, culinary techniques, and hospitality through real-world training in the school bakery. Students develop creativity and professional skills while learning about food service, marketing, and career pathways, with opportunities to pursue certifications, higher education, and careers in the culinary field.

Culinary Arts Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations

  • Serve-Safe
  • OSHA-10
  • Future Chefs
  • Tufts University

The Culinary Arts Program provides students with pathways to further education through partnerships such as Bunker Hill Community College. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in the culinary industry, working at restaurants, universities, and hospitality organizations including Lolita, Paparazzi, Highland Kitchen, Foundry on Elm, Red Bones, Tufts University, Harvard Varsity Club, Elm Street Bakery, Formaggio Kitchen, and other food service establishments throughout the region and beyond.

The Dental Assistant Program prepares students for careers in the dental healthcare field through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and clinical experiences with community dental professionals. Students learn essential dental assisting skills, patient care, health sciences, professionalism, and workplace communication while gaining exposure to the many career pathways within dentistry. Through externships, industry partnerships, and real-world learning opportunities, graduates develop the technical skills and confidence needed for entry-level positions and future study in dental-related fields.

Students gain a working knowledge of AutoCAD, the industry-standard for computer-aided-design (CAD) software. They develop construction documents, architectural plans, and 3-dimensional models. The program offers an in-depth training of the Autodesk Suite which includes 3D Studio MAX, Revit, and Inventor. Students also have the opportunity to work as interns in local design firms. Related subjects include architectural design, 3D modeling, urban planning, and mechanical engineering.

Through internships and partnerships with colleges, students are prepared for continued study and careers in architecture, engineering, design, and related fields. Graduates have gone on to pursue programs at institutions including Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University, Boston University, Northeastern University, and the University of Connecticut.

The Early Education and Care Program prepares students for careers working with children through classroom learning, lesson planning, and hands-on internships with local schools and childcare programs. Students develop the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in education and may qualify for Massachusetts EEC certification upon completion of program requirements.

Students in the Early Education and Care Program gain valuable industry experience through partnerships with local schools and childcare organizations, including SPS district schools and other community programs. Students also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, including Massachusetts EEC Preschool and Infant/Toddler Teacher certifications, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, OSHA 10, and Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) training.

The SHS Electrical Program offers classroom and hands-on training for students interested in entering the multifaceted electrical industry. All hours are calculated and recorded, and applied toward Massachusetts licensing requirements. There is a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates a wide-range of training opportunities for exploratory, sophomore, junior, and senior students. From basic wiring to state-of-the-art photo voltaic installation, our range of programming makes the Electrical Program one of the most popular CTE programs at SHS.
Recent program graduates have found employment with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103, Bent Electric, and NSTAR.

The Graphic Communications Program helps students turn ideas into professional designs using typography, illustration, photography, digital media, and Adobe Creative Suite tools. Students gain experience in graphic design, video production, printing, and production techniques while developing creativity, communication, and technology skills. The program prepares students for careers in the design and communications fields and further study at two- and four-year colleges.

Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations 

  • OSHA – 10
  • Adobe Certification in Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premier

The Health Assisting/Pharmacy Tech Program prepares students for careers in healthcare through coursework and hands-on training in anatomy, medical terminology, patient care, communication, and clinical skills. Students gain experience through classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical settings while building pathways to careers and further education in healthcare fields.

Certifications

  • American Sign Language
  • First Aid Mental Health
  • Caring for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease
  • American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR
  • National Safety Council First Aid
  • Blood Borne Pathogens
  • COVID first aid
  • OSHA ten hour

The Health Assisting/Pharmacy Tech Program provides pathways to further education through partnerships such as Bunker Hill Community College. Graduates have gone on to careers in healthcare settings including Children’s Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Mount Auburn Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lahey, Partners Health, and Somerville VNA facilities.

The HVAC-R Program prepares students for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in a state-of-the-art facility. Students develop skills in equipment installation and service, refrigeration, piping, electrical troubleshooting, blueprint reading, heating systems, heat pumps, ductwork, and green technologies. The program provides students with the technical knowledge and practical experience needed for careers as HVAC technicians, installers, energy specialists, and other skilled professionals, while also creating pathways to apprenticeships, college, and continued education in the field.

The Health Assisting/Pharmacy Tech Program provides pathways to further education through partnerships such as Bunker Hill Community College. Graduates have gone on to careers in healthcare settings including Children’s Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Mount Auburn Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lahey, Partners Health, and Somerville VNA facilities.

The Metal Fabrication Program prepares students for careers in welding, fabrication, and sheet metal work through hands-on training in modern manufacturing techniques. Students learn skills in welding, plasma cutting, ductwork, metal design, and fabrication while exploring career pathways in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and metal arts. The program also provides opportunities for further study at two- and four-year colleges.

Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations

  • OSHA – 10
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts Licensed
  • Sheet Metal State certification

The Metal Fabrication Program provides career pathways through partnerships with organizations such as Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 and Local 63 Laborers Union. Graduates have gone on to work with companies and organizations including Tark Inc., General Electric, East Coast Container, Water-Air, J.C. Ironworks, Nevron Plastics & Metal, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 17.

The Plumbing Program prepares students for careers in plumbing and gas fitting through classroom instruction and hands-on training in a state-of-the-art facility. Students learn plumbing systems, safety practices, installation techniques, and industry standards while earning valuable hours toward Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber exam requirements and gaining opportunities for cooperative education experiences.

Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations

  • OSHA 10 Construction Safety
  • Hot Work Certification
  • Plumbers Local 12
  • Pipe Fitters Local 537

Need more information?

Take a look at the CTE Admissions Policy and Application.
CTE Admissions Policy (rev. Nov 2025) and Somerville Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy.