Trade and Industrial Education is a secondary Career and Technology Education program that provide instruction that develops manipulative skills, safety, judgment, technical knowledge and related occupational information.  Trade and Industrial prepares students for employment in a wide variety of occupations in industrial areas through instruction in the layout, design, production, processing, assembling, testing, diagnosing and maintaining of industrial, commercial and residential goods and services. 

Individuals who have actual wage-earning experiences in the area they are teaching provide classroom and laboratory instruction.  Classrooms are laboratories equipped to simulate industry or are actual work sites, through such training arrangements as cooperative education, internships or apprenticeships.  Trade and Industrial courses fall into seven major systems:  communication and media, constructional-maintenance, electrical-electronic, metal technology, industrial and manufacturing and transportation.

Texas SkillsUSA-VICA is a non-profit organization which facilitates Trade and Industry Education, enhances curriculum and involves all student.  Students develop essential skills such as communication and teamwork.  They also gain a competitive edge in the work force.  Teachers benefit as well by enhancing their occupational education programs, improve attitudes in the classroom and gain local business support and participation. 

In addition, SkillsUSA-VICA teaches the importance of developing leadership skills, positive attidtudes and pride in workmanship.  SkillsUSA-VICA students associate schoolwork with real work.  SkillsUSA-VICA emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, high standards in trade ethics, superior workmanship, quality and safety.

Jessica Arellano

jarellano@canutillo-isd.org