The Cahokia Unit School District CTE Department is committed to hiring highly qualified CTE teachers to expand the types of CTE programs offered to students. We are also working to improve our existing CTE programs by improving curriculum, student engagement, and hands-on activities that prepare students for for job opportunities.
CTE Horticulture: Grow ideas. Build impact. Change the world.
Are you interested in plants, flowers, gardening, and the business side of agriculture? The CTE Horticulture program combines hands-on plant science with real-world business skills, preparing students for careers in horticulture and agribusiness.
In this program, students will learn to:
Cultivate and care for plants in nurseries and greenhouses
Manage plant production and maintenance in a nursery center
Understand plant biology, soil science, and pest management
Develop skills in sales, marketing, and customer service related to plant businesses
Explore agribusiness operations and entrepreneurship in the plant industry
Students gain practical experience working with live plants and managing greenhouse environments while developing business skills to succeed in the horticulture industry. Whether you want to own a plant nursery, work in landscaping, or enter agribusiness, this program gives you the tools to grow your future.
CTE Construction: Build Skills and Explore Careers in Construction
Are you interested in working with your hands, building structures, and learning valuable trade skills? The CTE Construction program prepares students for careers in the construction industry by providing exposure to a wide range of construction careers.
Through strong partnerships with local construction businesses and trade professionals, students gain valuable exposure to careers in the construction industry via mentorships, fieldtrips and hands-on experiences. These connections help students understand career pathways and build a network for future employment.
If you’re ready to build your future and explore exciting career opportunities, the CTE Construction program is the perfect place to start.
CTE Graphic Design: Create, Design, and Bring Your Ideas to Life
Are you creative and interested in art, technology, and visual storytelling? The CTE Graphic Design program teaches students how to use industry-standard Adobe software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to design eye-catching graphics for a variety of media.
In this program, students will learn to:
Master Adobe Creative Suite tools for digital design
Develop skills in layout, typography, color theory, and branding
Design custom graphics for websites, social media, posters, and marketing materials
Create original t-shirt designs and learn the production process
Build a professional portfolio to showcase their work
Explore career paths in graphic design, marketing, advertising, and digital media
Through hands-on projects and real-world challenges, students will gain the technical and creative skills needed to turn ideas into compelling visual designs.
If you’re ready to express your creativity and prepare for a career in design, the CTE Graphic Design program is the perfect place to start.
CTE Photography: Capture Your Creative Vision
Are you passionate about photography and storytelling through images? The CTE Photography program is designed for students who want to explore the art and science of photography while developing technical skills for careers in media, art, and communications.
In this program, students will learn to:
Use professional cameras and lighting equipment
Understand composition, framing, and visual storytelling
Edit and enhance photos using digital software
Explore different photography styles, including portrait, landscape, and commercial photography
Develop a portfolio showcasing their work
Learn about careers in photography, media production, and digital marketing
Through hands-on projects and real-world assignments, students will build creative skills and technical expertise that can lead to opportunities in photography, graphic design, advertising, and more.
If you’re ready to turn your passion for photography into a future career, the CTE Photography program is your starting point.
CTE Business Management & Administration: From Skill to Startup
Do you already have a skill, product, or service you’re offering and want to turn it into a successful business? The CTE Business Management and Administration program is designed for motivated students who are ready to take their talents and ideas to the next level.
This CTE pathway provides real-world knowledge and hands-on experience in preparing students for :
Entrepreneurship and small business ownership
Business planning and strategy
Financial literacy, budgeting, and pricing
Operations, management, and customer service
Legal structures and licensing requirements
Whether you're a content creator, clothing designer, baker, mechanic, or offer any other product or service, this program equips you with the skills to grow and manage your own business.
Turn your passion into a profitable business. Build it here.
CTE Administrative Assistant: Develop Skills for a Professional Office Career
Are you organized, detail-oriented, and interested in working in an office environment? The CTE Administrative Assistant program prepares students with the essential skills needed to support businesses and organizations in a variety of administrative roles.
In this program, students will learn how to:
Manage office communications and correspondence
Use computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations
Schedule appointments and coordinate meetings
Maintain records and databases
Develop customer service and professional communication skills
Handle basic bookkeeping and office procedures
With hands-on projects and real-world simulations, students gain practical experience that prepares them for entry-level administrative jobs or further education in business and office management.
If you want to build a strong foundation for a career in business or administration, the CTE Administrative Assistant program is a great place to start.
CTE Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Start Your Career in Healthcare
Are you passionate about helping others and interested in a career in healthcare? The CTE CNA program prepares students to become Certified Nursing Assistants, a critical first step toward careers in nursing, medical assisting, and patient care.
In this program, students will learn:
Basic nursing skills and patient care techniques
Medical terminology and anatomy
Infection control and vital signs
Communication and professionalism in healthcare
Safety, ethics, and legal responsibilities
Hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings
Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to take the state CNA certification exam, opening the door to immediate employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
If you want to make a difference in people’s lives and start a rewarding healthcare career, CTE CNA is the perfect place to begin.
Your Cahokia High School CTE student survey responses showed strong interest in healthcare programs, and we’re excited to share that a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is in the works!
Want to see more programs added? Make your voice heard!
Complete the CTE High School Student Survey on the CTE Stakeholder Engagement webpage and help shape the future of CTE at Cahokia 187.
👉 Visit the CTE Stakeholder Engagement page to share your ideas!
CTE Culinary Arts: Cook Up a Career You’ll Love
Do you enjoy cooking, creating new dishes, or dreaming of running your own restaurant, food truck or bakery? The CTE Culinary Arts program gives students the hands-on experience and professional skills needed to succeed in the exciting world of food service and hospitality.
In this program, students will learn:
Food preparation and cooking techniques
Baking and pastry fundamentals
Kitchen safety and sanitation
Menu planning and nutrition
Hospitality and customer service skills
Culinary career paths and entrepreneurship
You’ll train in a real or simulated commercial kitchen, work on catering projects, and have the chance to earn a food safety certification. Whether you’re aiming for a career as a chef, baker, food truck owner, or hospitality manager, Culinary Arts is your first step into a delicious future.
Bring your passion for food—and we’ll help you turn it into a career.
CTE Welding: Build Your Future with Hands-On Skills
Do you like working with your hands, building things, and learning by doing? The CTE Welding program is perfect for students interested in high-demand careers in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades.
In this program, students will learn:
Welding safety and shop procedures
MIG, TIG, Stick, and Arc welding techniques
Metal cutting, shaping, and fabrication
Blueprint reading and measurement
Industry standards and certifications
Real-world problem-solving and project building
Students will work in a hands-on shop environment using professional tools and equipment to complete individual and team-based welding projects. The program also helps students prepare for industry-recognized certifications and postsecondary training.
Whether you want to join the workforce after graduation or continue your training, CTE Welding gives you the skills, confidence, and foundation to succeed in a high-paying, high-skill trade.
CTE Marketing: Promote Your Brand, Grow Your Business
Do you already have a product, service, or skill you're selling, but want to reach more people and boost your sales? The CTE Marketing program is built for student entrepreneurs who are ready to level up their business through smart, creative marketing strategies.
In this course, you’ll learn how to:
Build a brand that stands out
Use digital and social media marketing effectively
Create a marketing plan tailored to your product or service
Understand customer needs and market trends
Improve product visibility and customer engagement
Apply strategies for both product-oriented marketing (e.g. clothing, food, handmade items) and service-oriented marketing (e.g. tutoring, hair styling, detailing, photography)
You’ll gain real-world skills through hands-on projects, content creation, and market research, all designed to help you connect with your audience and grow your business.
If you’ve got something to offer, this course will show you how to make it known—and make it successful.
CTE Auto Body: Hands-On Skills for a High-Demand Career
Are you interested in cars, creativity, and hands-on work? The CTE Auto Body program is designed for students who want to learn the skills needed to repair, restore, and customize vehicles.
In this program, students will gain experience in:
Auto body repair and refinishing
Dent removal and frame straightening
Surface preparation and painting techniques
Vehicle detailing and restoration
Safety procedures and tool use
Estimating and customer service
Using professional tools and equipment in a real shop setting, students will complete hands-on projects and learn from experienced instructors. This program prepares students for entry-level careers in the collision repair industry or further training in technical colleges or apprenticeships.
If you enjoy working with your hands and want to turn your passion for cars into a career, CTE Auto Body is the place to start.
Cahokia Unit School District 187 offers the following early college credit opportunities for its students:
