CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) 

Five Keys offers a range of self-paced, in-person or online Career Technical Education (CTE) training programs for students enrolled in its high schools. The courses integrate core academic knowledge with occupational skills to prepare students for careers in growing industries.

Teachers have industry experience and a California Department of Education CTE credential to teach in their field.

Programs align with industry standards and prepare students for industry certifications, union apprenticeships, or college.

CTE Pathway students have direct access to union apprenticeship representatives, transition counseling, job site visits, college tours, internship opportunities, and guest speakers.

IN-PERSON:

Construction Pathway

Five Keys offers the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) pre-apprenticeship readiness program with a direct union apprenticeship pathway connection. 

NCCER was originally developed by a coalition of major construction companies in 1991 and approved as a formal nonprofit in 1996. Its curricula and credentials are continuously developed and approved by industry experts, trade associations, and accredited providers, ensuring they meet national and international standards. 

The NCCER curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the construction trades by building foundational skills through Core, then advancing into specialized training in Carpentry and Electrical. Carpentry expands on these foundations with training in framing techniques, site layout, building materials, flooring and decking installation, and introductory concrete work, giving students hands-on experience in residential and commercial building. Electrical introduces students to electrical safety practices, basic electrical theory, tools and materials used in the trade, the structure and purpose of the National Electrical Code, and conduit bending techniques. Together, these NCCER modules equip learners with the technical knowledge, safety awareness, and practical skills needed to enter the construction workforce with confidence. 

MC3 was developed and approved by the Building Trades National Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

The MC3 curriculum covers: construction industry orientation • tools and materials • construction health and safety • blueprint reading • basic math for construction • heritage of the American worker • diversity in the construction industry • green construction • financial literacy.

Location: NCCER & MC3 is offered in person at the South Los Angeles Weber Community Center (5849 Crocker Street, Los Angeles) and at the Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) at 29320 The Old Rd Castaic CA 91384 for in-custody students. 

Welding Pathway

Our hands-on welding program is an official training and testing provider of the American Welding Society. We follow the American Welding Society’s “SENSE” standards and guidelines for welding education programs. Those who complete the program will have their names listed in the American Welding Society’s SENSE database for verification. Skills and credits are transferable to college-level welding programs that follow the SENSE standards. The program includes preparation for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety welding certification.

Location: Welding is offered in person at the South Los Angeles Weber Community Center (5849 Crocker Street, Los Angeles).

HYBRID

Medical Pathways

Five Keys offers multiple CTE pathways that prepare students for in-demand careers across the healthcare sector. Our Medical Assistant, Sterile Processing Technician, and Physical Therapy Aide pathways provide students with industry-aligned training and a clear route into entry-level healthcare roles. For the Pharmacy Technician pathway, Five Keys partners with the online Aztec Pharmacy Technician program. For the Medical Assistant, Sterile Processing Technician, and Physical Therapy Aide pathways, Five Keys partners with the U.S. Career Institute’s online curriculum. Each pathway is supported by a CTE-certified Health Instructor who guides students through coursework, reinforces essential skills, and ensures students are prepared for certification exams and employment. 

Medical Assistant

This program prepares people for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Perform front and back office administrative duties, including patient scheduling.

  • Apply medical terminology, anatomy, and communication skills to interact

with patients and healthcare professionals.

  • Prepare to step into the role of a medical assistant by observing actual procedures via

Virtual Labs and virtually experiencing many clinical procedures.

  • Adhere to federal safety, security, and privacy regulations, as well as accurately maintain and handle medical records.

Sterile Processing Technician

This program prepares people for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Decontaminate and prepare a clean work area and explore the high-level disinfection process.

  • Prepare and package instruments and supplies, including labeling and handling instruments.

  • Examine sterilization processes from loading to unloading and learn about sterilizer tests, methods and cycles.

  • Understand safety awareness related to patient care equipment and how to prepare the equipment, receive items and inspect work areas.

Physical Therapy Aide 

The Physical Therapy Aide pathway introduces students to the foundational skills needed to support licensed Physical Therapists in rehabilitation and clinical settings. Students learn essential patient-care practices, therapeutic exercise principles, and clinic operations while preparing for the Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) credential through the National Certification Career Board (NCCB). This pathway equips learners for entry-level employment and provides a strong foundation for continued study in kinesiology, rehabilitation sciences, or advanced allied health programs. 

  • Patient Support Skills, training in assisting patients with mobility, therapeutic exercises, positioning, and safe movement throughout treatment sessions. 

  • Clinical Operations, hands-on understanding of clinic workflows, equipment setup, sanitation procedures, basic documentation, and professional communication. 

  • CPTA Certification Preparation, students’ complete coursework aligned to NCCB’s Certified Physical Therapy Aide exam, gaining the knowledge and competencies required for national certification and improved employability. 

Business Pathway 

The Business & Entrepreneurship pathway equips students with the foundational skills needed to launch a small business, succeed in entry-level business roles, and build digital literacy essential for today’s workforce. Using the iCEV Business & Marketing curriculum, students gain real-world knowledge in entrepreneurship, business operations, communication, financial literacy, and professional readiness. The pathway also prepares learners for two industry-recognized credentials through Certiport: the Entrepreneurship & Small Business (ESB) certification and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. Together, these credentials validate students’ business competencies and technical skills, strengthening employability and supporting future academic or career advancement. 

  • Entrepreneurship & Small Business (ESB) Certification, students learn how to develop business plans, understand market strategies, manage finances, and demonstrate entrepreneurial decision-making aligned to Certiport ESB exam. 

  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification, learners build advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, earning a nationally recognized certification that signals digital readiness for administrative, office, and business roles. 

  • Through Industry Aligned Business Curriculum, through iCEV’s Business & Marketing curriculum, students gain practical skills in communication, customer service, budgeting, workplace professionalism, and business operations, preparing them for both employment and entrepreneurship. 

Five Keys offers additional vocational and job readiness employment programs that are not affiliated with our high school programs:

Transitional Employment

Participants in Five Keys Transitional Employment programs work paid jobs while receiving support to help them find permanent employment, progress along educational pathways, or enroll in progressive job training. Job readiness workshops, reentry support, access to high school completion, and hosted resource groups are provided. Learn more about transitional employment programs here.

Locations: Transitional employment is offered in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Santa Barbara and San Francisco counties.

Ecological Agricultural Training Cultural Center and Farm (EAT!)

The Ecological Agricultural Training and Cultural Center’s mission is to train farmers, engage farmer families and create communities around ecologically-based, socially just and economically sustainable agriculture. It provides a hands-on, in-person small farm apprenticeship program, and serves as a resource center and gathering place for the agricultural community. The EAT! Center hosts a Rural Farmers & Artisans Market each Thursday. Learn more about EAT! here.

Location: 3954 Old Hamner Road, Norco (Riverside County)

Life Skills and Career Technical Education in Santa Rita Jail

People incarcerated in Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail may participate in Five Keys’ life skills and Career Technical Education program to prepare for employment when they return to the community. Five Keys offers a range of classes including job readiness preparation, digital literacy, anger management, parenting, and substance use treatment. We also offer Career Technical training including cosmetology; computer coding; intro to the trades; horticulture; environmental literacy to prepare people for jobs in “green” industries; food handlers’ certification for hospitality careers; and baking for commercial kitchens. 

Location: Santa Rita Jail, Dublin (Alameda County)