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Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC)

Discover CTEC

A no-cost magnet school program preparing students for careers in automotive, construction, and medical fields.

At CTEC you don’t just learn a trade — you do a trade.

You’ll learn in a school structurally built like actual work environments that are designed to reflect the automotive, construction, and healthcare industries. Our curriculum builds from foundational knowledge into specialized career pathways, providing you with the real-world learning experiences needed to earn certifications at no cost and enter the workforce with confidence.

CTEC Auto Students Inspecting Vehicle

What Is CTEC?

The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) is a distinguished NEISD magnet program dedicated to unlocking student potential through hands-on job education. As a no-cost magnet school program, CTEC provides an immersive and comprehensive education designed to cater to a wide range of career goals.

Our curriculum ensures students gain both technical knowledge and practical mastery through over 12 specialized courses across three industries: Transportation Mechanic, Construction, and Medical. By the time they graduate, students have acquired the essential skills, real-world experiences, and career certifications needed to excel in their profession.

Who Thrives at CTEC

CTEC is designed for students who seek a hands-on education experience and are ready for work right after high school. Our common sense approach nurtures each student’s interests from day one, helping them excel regardless of their previous education.

Students who thrive here are often:

  • Interested in automotive, construction, and medical careers.
  • Motivated by problem-solving and real-world learning.
  • Looking to build their skills and resume to start their career immediately after graduation.
 
No prior experience required

CTEC welcomes students from within and outside NEISD boundaries and is built to support students as they discover their strengths and interests in a career industry.

Students begin at different skill levels and grow through structured curriculum, guided instruction, and ongoing support. What matters most is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

What Makes CTEC Different

Career-Based Curriculum

Education built around hands-on job training in our work-type environments.

Job CERtifications

Students can earn job credentials in each career field — all at no-cost.

Flexible Scheduling
Classes are offered three times daily, with free round-trip bus transportation provided from every NEISD high school.

How CTEC Works

Students follow a structured pathway, building toward mastery and certifications:

 

Outcomes That Matter—For Parents and Students

Students at CTEC graduate with more than diploma — they graduate with options.

Throughout the program, students work toward industry-recognized certifications that strengthen career readiness. These credentials reflect skills that employers value and hire for.

Graduates commonly pursue:

  • Immediate workforce entry with job certifications earned in every career field.
  • Professional roles as welders, electricians, HVAC technicians, and medical health.
  • College majors in construction management, architecture, engineering, and healthcare fields.

By the time students graduate, they have explored real career pathways, built foundational experience, and gained clarity about what comes next — rather than trying to figure it out after high school.

Student Life

Students have access to:

  • Academic support, tutoring, and certification test preparation.
  • Student organizations, competitions, and clubs.
  • Opportunities to collaborate, lead, and grow alongside peers with shared interests.

CTEC combines career prerparation with hands-on education, small learning environments, and engaged instructors to help students build confidence as they develop technical skills.

What You'll Actually Do

This isn’t classroom learning — this is practical, career experience:

  • Diagnose and service diesel and automotive transportation vehicles.
  • Master residential and commercial wiring, motor controls, and blueprint reading.
  • Perform patient care skills, including venipuncture, injections, and EKG monitoring.
  • Practice dental procedures, such as taking impressions and sterilization techniques.
  • Troubleshoot HVAC and refrigeration equipment using industry tools and codes.
  • Accurately measure and package prescriptions while processing insurance claims.