“CTE in Bastrop ISD is focused on preparing our students for future career opportunities,” CTE coordinator Avery Barrera said. “That may involve them pursuing post-secondary education, or it could involve preparing them directly for the workforce.”
The program offers 15 specialized programs of study across Bastrop High School and Cedar Creek High School. Among the most in-demand programs are Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, where students can earn certifications as medical assistants or pharmacy technicians, and Animal Science, which provides pathways to veterinary certifications. These programs, along with offerings in cybersecurity, automotive technology, construction and engineering are strategically designed to meet industry demands.
Work-based learning is central to Bastrop ISD’s CTE initiative. Through partnerships with local businesses, students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
“We currently have work-based learning experiences in each of our programs of study,” Barrera said. “When our students are enrolled in one of our Health Science courses as a junior or senior, they participate in job shadowing. They will visit the various departments in Ascension Seton hospital—anything from magnetic resonance imaging to the emergency room to the pharmacy—to understand what goes on in that specific department. They can see the skills and abilities that are needed to be successful in that career.”
In addition to external partnerships, Bastrop ISD has invested in facilities that allow students to refine their skills on campus.
“With our last bond, we built a state-of-the-art automotive shop,” Barrera said. “Our [Automotive and Collision Repair] students complete a lot of their work-based learning experience in our shop, working on vehicles.”
Recognizing the importance of adaptability, the district regularly evaluates its CTE programs to align with evolving industry needs.
“One of the criteria that is really important as we look at programs of study is how these opportunities prepare students for our current labor market,” Barrera said. “We look at not only whether students are interested in taking the courses, but if these courses are going to be able to provide opportunities for a high-skill, high-wage career once they leave our campuses.”
Preparation begins as early as middle school. Every eighth grader in Bastrop ISD is offered a Career and College Exploration course, which includes aptitude assessments and research projects to help students make informed decisions about their academic paths. Additionally, campus visits offer students a firsthand look at CTE programs before selecting their courses for high school.
Over the years, career education has evolved beyond traditional vocational training.
“Industry needs have evolved,” Barrera said. “We have programs of study in Food Science and Technology, [as well as] Lodging and Resort Management. We have a program of study that's focused on cybersecurity because in today’s world there's a need for that.”
For Bastrop ISD, student success is not just measured by graduation rates but by long-term career readiness.
“Through a work-based learning experience, or through a [networking] connection, students might have an opportunity for part-time employment or a summer internship that may then turn into full-time employment,” Barrera said.
To showcase the success of the CTE program, the district hosts an annual Youth Career Hiring Day, featuring local business partners and sessions dedicated to preparing students for their next step.
“Seeing students move out into the workforce is so rewarding,” Barrera said.
With participation in CTE on the rise, Bastrop ISD continues to refine and expand its programs, ensuring students graduate with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to excel in the workforce or higher education. 1/3 of all students enrolled in Pre-K through 12th grade in Bastrop ISD are furthering their skill set in a CTE program this school year.
To learn more about Bastrop ISD’s CTE program, visit their website.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
