South Hadley High School

SHHS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Career and Technical Education component of the South Hadley Public Schools provides 

secondary students of South Hadley with an educational complement. Students who select Career and Technical Education will graduate with a solid academic preparation along with advanced technical skills necessary for acceptance to a post-secondary institution. Not only does research show that students in CTE courses perform better, but they are more engaged and have higher graduation rates. CTE programs help students see the relevance of their studies for their future, and motivates them to attend classes and study hard.

• Hands on instruction from instructors who worked in the technical area. 

• Career placement opportunities, cooperative learning and internships

• Valuable employability skills

• Industry backed certifications 

CARPENTRY 

The carpentry program is a Chapter 74 approved program and is based on proven local methods, “green” technology, OSHA regulations and the Massachusetts State building codes. Student instruction begins with basic competencies such as shop safety, basic layout, hand tool identification, proper usage, care and maintenance. Students will progress from introductory knowledge of shop safety and basic woodworking with small projects such as common wood joints, to working with portable and stationary power tools to residential home construction – concrete from work to finish.

CULINARY ARTS

The Culinary Program, a Chapter 74 approved program, is designed to provide students with training for a successful career in the food service/hospitality industry. As one of the fastest growing service areas, students are trained for entry-level employment.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

This instructional program is designed to give students an in-depth view of the criminal justice system, as well as a variety of criminal justice related careers. This course provides rigorous academics alongside physical fitness, scenario-based training, and defensive tactics. This program is aligned with the Massachusetts Vocational Technical Education framework and will be run in the style of a basic recruit training academy.

Practical skills taught include: Interview and interrogation techniques, crime scene investigation, 

evidence collection, Massachusetts state law, Constitutional law, fingerprinting, ethics, report writing, CPR, military drill, motor vehicle stops, and cybercrime investigation. Guest speakers and field trips will be incorporated to show how these skills are applied in criminal justice careers.