Career Pathways
Career and Technology Education (CTE)
At AAI, we empower our students to take ownership of their education and encourage them to pursue their academic, vocational, and artistic interests. In addition to Competency-based Education (CBE) and Project-based Learning (PBL), our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways are another way in which we inspire students to challenge their potential every day.
The American Academy of Innovation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, or any other classification protected by law in its programs, activities, or employment practices.
Career and Technology Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides all students access to high-quality, rigorous career-focused programs that result in the attainment of credentials with labor market value.
Career and Technical Education makes an impact on youth while preparing them for successful careers. CTE is an essential component of the total educational system in Utah and is critical to the country’s ability to compete in a global economy.
Our vision is to see that every student has the opportunity to explore a variety of career areas, throughout high school, that will equip him or her with the academic knowledge, technical and employability skills vital for entry into the evolving workforce.
What are CTE Pathways?
A CTE Career Pathway is a method of searching for a career that fits a students’ interests and lifestyle and allows him or her to build academic courses around it. Career Pathways ensure that students will be prepared to take advantage of the full range of postsecondary options, including on-the-job training, certification programs, and two- and four-year college degrees.
CTE Pathways at AAI
Animal and Veterinary Science
Your fascination with horses, love of puppies, or passion for marine life may be the spark that leads you to a career within the animal kingdom. Whether your dream is to be a veterinarian, a rancher, a farmer, or even an animal rights activist, the first steps begin with our Animal & Veterinary Science courses developed and taught by Kathy Nuttall, an expert in the field who has taught for more than three decades.
Pathway coursesEngineering and Technology
Are you a problem solver? What invention are you currently brainstorming? What products would you like to make using a 3D printer? If this sounds exciting to you, consider taking our Engineering & Technology courses. AAI’s new, high-tech engineering lab is equipped with a 3D printing farm, Raspberry Pi computers, VEX Robotics, Arduinos, breadboard, and more!
Pathway CoursesProgramming and Software Development
Your curiosity about software and user interfaces could lead to exciting opportunities. Want to get into the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning domain? Want to become a data scientist or data engineer? Want to make a career in web development or game development? If so, the Programming & Software Development courses may be the start of an enjoyable career.
Pathway CoursesCTE Prep, Student Associations, and Resources
College and career awareness
A 7th-grade course designed to increase awareness of college and career pathways through simulations and project-based experiences. This course explores high school, college, and career options based on individual student interests, abilities, and skills. Students will investigate high-skill and/or in-demand jobs in the Utah labor market while developing workplace skills.
Career and Technical Student Associations
CTSOs present organized activities for students to gain personal and leadership skills, making them more employable, preparing them to become productive citizens, and assisting them in assuming positive roles in the home and community.
Learn More About CTOsCTE Pathway Resources
Planning for life after high school can be overwhelming. If you know what you want to do prior to graduation, you can get a head start towards achieving your goals. If you are unsure about your future, realize that you are not alone. You can begin right here.
See CTE Pathway ResourcesAnimal and Veterinary Science
Gain the knowledge and skills to care for animals and open yourself up to future career opportunities. You could be the next Crocodile Hunter. Check out some of the possibilities!
- Animal Nutrition Specialist
- Animal Trainer (film/production industry)
- Conservation Officer
- Farm or Ranch Manager
- Herdsman
- Livestock Auctioneer
- Veterinary Assistant/Technician/Technologist
- Zoologist
Students will develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of scientific principles, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease, and management practices. Emphasis will be on Large Animals in this course with a limited section on companion animals. Career opportunities and educational preparation are examined.
Equine Science ExpandStudents will be exposed to equine science and technology principles which include genetics, anatomy, physiology/nutrition, diseases, and management practices. Students will be exposed to handling techniques of a horse on the ground.
Veterinary Assistant ExpandThis course provides the opportunity for students to explore different avenues of the veterinary profession. Students will be exposed to veterinary science and principles which include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, animal health and disease, dentistry, and laboratory procedures. Students will receive the skills and knowledge to assist in the general nursing care of an animal.
Small and Companion Animal Science ExpandThis course looks at the relationship between humans and their companion animals. Emphasis will be on dogs, cats, and horses. The curriculum will cover zoology, behavior, training theories, genetics and health care, animal husbandry, animal rescue, competitive venues, and career exploration.
Intro to Aquaculture ExpandStudents will gain knowledge and develop skills with respect to the scientific method in the context of raising and breeding fish. Course topics include fish ecology, anatomy and physiology, water quality, aquaponics, and commercial and recreational management operations. Emphasis is placed on hands-on skill acquisition. Students will also explore educational preparation and career opportunities in aquaculture.
Engineering and Technology
Maybe you enjoy building things! For a valuable experience, join the AAI robotics club where your team will be challenged with building a competitive robot. Dive even deeper into the fields of engineering and technology in our engineering CTE courses! The opportunities in this field are exploding as technology advances. What engineering career interests you?
- Additive Manufacturing Engineer (3D printing)
- Automation Engineer
- Electro-Mechanical Technician
- Electronics Drafter
- Electrical Engineer
- Machine Operator
- Production Technician
The first in a sequence of courses that prepares individuals with a lab-based, hands-on curriculum combining electrical, mechanical, and engineering principles. Students will learn to design, build, program, and control robotic devices. A rigorous study and application of electrical concepts will include sources of energy, electrical safety, use and identification of basic electronic components, sensors, and actuators. Engineering concepts will include, mechanical design, prototype development, design testing, programming, and proper engineer documentation.
Electronics ExpandThe first in a sequence of courses that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble and operate electrical/electronic equipment used in business, industry, and manufacturing. Instruction includes training in safety, electrical theory, parallel & series circuits, Kirchoff’s Laws, schematic diagrams, electrical components, and solderings.
Programming and Software Development
AAI teaches the fundamentals of coding using the versatile Python programming language. Python programmers are in high demand in both start-ups as well as the world’s largest and most sophisticated companies. Career options will be endless in this field. See where these courses can take you!
- App/Web Developer
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Software Developer
- Video Game Designer
- Nearly every job in the future
The first in a sequence of courses that prepares individuals with a lab-based, hands-on curriculum combining electrical, mechanical, and engineering principles. Students will learn to design, build, program, and control robotic devices. A rigorous study and application of electrical concepts will include sources of energy, electrical safety, use and identification of basic electronic components, sensors, and actuators. Engineering concepts will include, mechanical design, prototype development, design testing, programming, and proper engineer documentation.
Computer Programming ExpandAn introductory course in program engineering and applications. The course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming. Students will learn to design, code, and test their own programs while applying mathematical concepts. Teachers introduce coding concepts and problem-solving skills to beginning students through a programming language such as C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript. Students will also be introduced to more complex data structures and their uses, including arrays and classes.
Computer Science Principles ExpandThis is a new course that follows a project to develop a computer science course that seeks to broaden participation in computing and computer science. The course places emphasis on the principles of computer science rather than just programming. Big ideas and concepts include:
- Computing is a creative activity.
- Abstraction reduces information and detail to facilitate focus on relevant concepts.
- Data and information facilitate the creation of knowledge. (4) Algorithms are used to develop and express solutions to computational problems.
- Programing enables problem solving, human expression, and creation of knowledge.
- The Internet pervades modern computing.
- Computing has global impacts.
Career and Technical Student Associations
Career and Technical Student Associations (CTO) present organized activities for students to gain personal and leadership skills, making them more employable, preparing them to become productive citizens, and assisting them in assuming positive roles in the home and community. They are not after-school clubs where only a few CTE students belong, but a powerful instructional tool integrated into the CTE classroom. CTSOs help students develop leadership skills and positive work values, while reinforcing the Career and Technical Education curriculum.
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
The organization for agricultural education students. FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Utah has 6,567 members in 89 chapters.
Utah FFA National FFADistributive Education Clubs of American (DECA)
An association of marketing students. DECA is a student leadership organization that provides hands-on leadership development. Students learn how to develop, price, place, and promote products in the right business setting. The organization builds self-confidence, positive work attitudes, and communication skills. Utah has 2,898 members in 71 chapters.
Utah DECA National DECACTE Career Pathway Resources
AAI’s CTE Career Pathways help students figure out their futures and get a head start towards achieving their goals. AAI students take CTE courses to:
- Obtain valuable skills such as learning to code, building a robot, or how to perform CPR for your pet.
- Research various career paths, paying particular attention to what the current demands are in the job market, and learning from others at school or from professionals in a particular field.
- Explore the CTE skill certifications you can work towards while in high school. Skill certifications will set you apart when applying for college or that first job after graduation. It may shape the career you eventually choose to pursue.
Find Your Career
The Department of Workforce Services provides online tools to help job seekers understand Utah’s economy and make data-driven decisions. To begin your search, visit Economic Data for Career Exploration.
Economic Data for Career ExplorationUtah CTE Success Stories
What Students are Saying About CTE What is Your CTE Story?CTE At-A-Glance
AAI CTE Utah CTE CTE Public Notification of Nondiscrimination Expand- American Academy of Innovation (AAI) offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs in Animal and Veterinary Science, Engineering and Technology, Programming and Software Development, and Aviation.
- Admission to these programs is open to all high school students who attend AAI.
- It is the policy of AAI not to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disabilities in its programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section of 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
- It is the policy of AAI not to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, and disabilities or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and
Section 504 the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. - AAI assures that the lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs.
- For more information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Mia Prazen, the Section 504 Coordinator, Chris Johnson, or the IEP Coordinator, Lorelee Ingles. They may be reached by phone, (801) 810-4786; by email, first.last@aaiutah.org; or by visiting the school, 5410 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84009.
- La Academia Estadounidense de Innovación (AAI) ofrece programas de educación técnica y profesional (CTE) en Ciencia de Animal y Veterinaria, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Programación y desarrollo de
Software y Aviación. - La admisión a estos programas está disponible a todos los estudiantes de secundaria que asisten AAI.
- Es la políca de AAI de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, sexo o discapacidades en sus programas, servicios o actividades como es requerido en el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles del 1964, según enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas a la Educación de 1972; y Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada.
- Es la políca de AAI de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo y discapacidades o edad en sus prácticas laborales como lo requiere el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas a la Educación de 1972; La Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, enmendada; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada.
- AAI asegura de que la falta de habilidades en inglés no será una barrera para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y programas en CTE.
- Para obtener más información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con la Coordinadora del Título IX, Mia Prazen, el Coordinador de la Sección 504, Chris Johnson, o la Coordinadora del IEP, Lorelee Ingles. Puede comunicarse con ellos por medio del teléfono, (801) 810-4786; por medio del correo electrónico, primernombre.apellido@aaiutah.org; o visitando la escuela al domicilio siguiente, 5410 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84009.
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