Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Career-Focused Learning at Hamilton High School

CTE programs help students:

• Connect learning to real-world careers
• Develop technical and employability skills
• Gain hands-on experience
• Explore career interests
• Build leadership and communication skills
• Prepare for college and careers
• Learn through project-based experiences
• Connect with local businesses and industry professionals

Hamilton Community Schools believes students learn best when they can apply classroom learning to meaningful real-world experiences.

Hamilton HVAC Program

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Hamilton High School provides students with hands-on learning experiences focused on heating and cooling systems, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and system diagnostics.

Students gain experience working with:

• Industry tools and equipment
• Electrical components
• Technical diagrams
• Energy efficiency systems
• Safety procedures
• Real-world HVAC applications

The HVAC program helps students build a strong foundation for careers in the skilled trades while preparing for apprenticeships, technical training, and future employment opportunities.

Additional Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the first year of HVAC may have opportunities to participate in HVAC Co-Op experiences with local industry partners.

Learn more about HVAC!

HVAC Advisory Board Testimonials

Hamilton HVAC Co-Op

HVAC Co-Op allows students who have completed the HVAC program to extend their learning through real-world work experiences with local HVAC companies. Students spend part of the school day working alongside industry professionals while applying the technical knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

This experience helps students:

• Gain valuable workplace experience
• Explore career opportunities
• Build professional connections
• Develop employability skills
• Prepare for careers in the skilled trades

Program Requirements

• Students must be at least 16 years old
• Students must successfully complete HVAC coursework standards
• Students must follow Co-Op application procedures and deadlines

Hamilton Youth Labor Law Summary

Hamilton Business Development

Business Development is a one-year Career & Technical Education (CTE) course that introduces students to key business concepts including:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Business planning
• Customer relations
• Project management
• Workplace communication

Students participate in hands-on experiences, job shadowing opportunities, and real-world learning activities designed to help them develop professional and leadership skills.

Students also have opportunities to:

• Participate in DECA
• Build employment materials and career portfolios
• Develop workplace soft skills
• Explore certifications and college credit opportunities

Students taking the course during their senior year may also earn fourth-year math credit.

Learn more about Business Development!

Business Development Overview Video

West Michigan FFA

West Michigan FFA is a hands-on, real-world agriculture program for students grades 7-12 who want to learn by doing. Through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, competitions, and career exploration, students gain valuable skills connected to agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and future careers.

Students have opportunities to:

• Care for animals
• Explore plant and food systems
• Build leadership skills through FFA
• Participate in competitions and events
• Gain career-ready experience
• Explore agriculture careers
• Participate in internships and work-based learning

Whether students participate for one year or continue throughout middle and high school, West Michigan FFA provides meaningful opportunities to learn, lead, and prepare for future success.

Leadership & Competition Opportunities

Students participate in Career Development Events (CDEs), including:

• Broiler Contest
• Meat Rabbit Contest
• One Skill-Based CDE
• Leadership Contest (District Level)

Students may also choose to participate in additional contests based on their interests, including:

• Ag Communications
• Ag Mechanics
• Ag Sales
• Agronomy
• Dairy Cattle
• Environmental Science
• Farm Business Management
• Floriculture
• Food Science
• Forestry
• Greenhouse Crops
• Horse Selection
• Land Conservation
• Livestock Marketing
• Meats
• Nursery/Landscape
• Poultry
• Tractor Driving
• Veterinary Science

Why Agriculture Education Matters

Agriculture education helps students develop:

• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Technical knowledge
• Problem-solving abilities
• Responsibility and teamwork
• Career readiness skills
• Real-world experience

Students explore careers connected to:

• Agriculture
• Veterinary science
• Environmental science
• Agribusiness
• Food systems
• Natural resources
• Skilled trades
• Animal science
• Plant science

Learn More About West Michigan FFA!

Careerline Tech Center

Careerline Tech Center (CTC) offers Hamilton High School students access to a wide variety of Career & Technical Education programs that provide hands-on training and career-ready skills in high-demand industries.

Available pathways include:

• Agriculture & Animal Science
• Culinary Arts
• Graphic Design
• Media Communications
• Construction
• Electrical & Alternative Energy
• HVAC
• Public Safety
• Advanced Healthcare
• Cosmetology
• IT & Network Security
• Software & Game Development
• Welding
• Engineering & Robotics
• Automotive Technology
• Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanics
• And many more

Students may have opportunities to:

• Earn industry certifications
• Earn college credit
• Gain hands-on technical experience
• Explore future careers
• Prepare for employment or further education

Learn more about the Careerline Tech Center!

Careerline Tech Center Virtual Tour

Careerline Tech Center Programs & Pathways

Careerline Tech Center Application Process