The Thomson High School Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Department is proud to announce a 100 percent graduation rate among CTAE concentrators from the Class of 2024. This graduation rate for students who complete at least two units in any of the 24 career pathways offered at THS has been on the rise in recent years from 97 percent in 2022 to 100 percent this past year. This even exceeds the state rate of 98.24 percent.
THS offers more CTAE opportunities than any other high school in the CSRA, and the effects on students’ educational careers and future prospects are evident.
“We wish to provide students with opportunities in high-quality career pathways which are real-world and relevant to support Georgia's high-demand career pipeline," said CTAE Director Dr. Steve Rhodes.
Students are able to find their niche and leave Thomson High School ready to enter the workforce with a valuable trade in any of the following areas: construction, electrical, business, technology, cybersecurity, welding, automotive, education, healthcare science, agriculture, and cosmetology. Many students enter CTAE pathways and are able to participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities while still a student, providing valuable experience on the path to success.
According to Dr. Lynn Cato, McDuffie County Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction, students who complete CTAE pathways enter the workforce with marketable skills cultivated through a curriculum featuring lab- and work-based learning experiences designed with industry partners, preparing them for high-demand, high-wage careers. She said employers benefit because these graduates require shorter training periods, have developed soft skills, and are more likely to be retained in their selected professions, reducing the need and associated costs for re-training.