Then & Now: Tahoma's CTE Courses

Then & Now: Tahoma's CTE Courses
Posted on 02/09/2023

Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes like automotive technology look a little different today than they did in 1968.

Auto Tech in 1968

With electronics and computer systems, and modern engines with fuel-efficient technology, today’s cars require an array of knowledge and skills to work on—and students in Tahoma’s Automotive Technology program are prepared for the challenge. With tools like the Hawkeye Alignment System, which uses four precision cameras to determine wheel alignment, Tahoma’s students train on cutting-edge technology that prepares them for real-world careers in the automotive industry.

Auto tech students working on an engine Alignment machine

Other CTE programs, like FFA (historically, Future Farmers of America), have a rich history in the Tahoma School District.

Historic Tahoma FFA photo

Today, the FFA still raises animals to show at the fair, but the program has expanded to include tractor driving, potato judging, public speaking and leadership focuses, to name a few.

FFA student at the fair FFA student at tractor competition

Another historical career and technical education program was known as “The Home Economist,” where students would learn skills like cooking, sewing and other household skills.

The Home Economist photo

Today, students interested in culinary arts have the opportunity to visit the Puget Sound Skills Center and study culinary techniques with trained professionals.

Culinary student at Puget Sound Skills Center

Students interested in designing, creating and marketing clothing can take Abby Durett’s CTE class, Fashion Design.

Fashion design classroom

While there are some similarities between historic program offerings and today’s offerings, the opportunities students have at Tahoma today are expansive, in-depth and truly prepare students for college, career and life.

What programs and offerings will our students need in Tahoma’s second century?
Let’s decide together! Join our Tahoma 100 Journey.

CTE by the numbers graphic

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