Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare individuals for a wide range of careers that reflect the contemporary workplace.  The West Bend School District incorporate rigorous academic and technical standards that equip students with skills necessary for successful transition to postsecondary education or work while promoting life-long learning in a global society.

The WBSD CTE programs support skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, entrepreneurship and leadership through Career and Technical Student Organizations and incorporate service, leadership, and competitive activities that enhance students’ classroom experiences. Direct ties to community, education, and the workforce are essential to every CTE program and allow learning to take place in multiple settings that result in students earning a local, state, or industry credential. Work-based learning programs enhance business/education partnerships, provide students with opportunities to reinforce skills learned in the classroom in a work-setting, and teach employability skills and work behaviors to be effective in the workforce.  Through this comprehensive approach to learning, students in CTE build a rich portfolio of knowledge and skills to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals.

All of the CTE programs in the West Bend School District are supported by program advisory teams. The advisory committees are designed to increase the participation of the public in local career and technical education programs and provide greater cooperation between career and technical education and the private sector in:

• Making career and technical education more responsive to, and reflective of, both the labor market and business/industry
• Promoting quality career and technical education
• Preparing individuals for employment and entrepreneurship
• Ensuring students are ready for post-secondary education
• Focusing on how to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) and make the most of the community resources that are available

The CTE programs in the West Bend School District are aligned with the national Career Cluster and Pathways model. The 16 Career Clusters provide a context for learning the skills specific to a career, and provide a structure for organizing or restructuring curriculum offerings and focusing coursework with a common theme such as an interest. Currently the CTE programs are aligning their curriculum to new developed Wisconsin Standards for Career and Technical Education.

Business and Information Technology               
The primary focus of Business & Information Technology (BIT) program in the West Bend School District is to expose and prepare students for business occupations and to teach students about business. Education about Business & Information Technology focuses on those aspects of business that affect every member of society, whereas preparation for business occupations focuses on the preparation of individuals to own or operate their own business or to work in a variety of business functions.
 

• Currently students in the District are able to access the BIT program at Badger Middle School and West Bend East and West High Schools.
• The West Bend High Schools have an active student organization in FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America.​

​Family and Consumer Science
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program in the West Bend School District prepares students for family work, work life, and careers in Family and Consumer Sciences by empowering individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenge of living and working in a diverse global society.

• Currently students in the District are able to access the FACS program at West Bend East and West High Schools
• The West Bend High Schools have two active student organizations FCCLA, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and a ProStart

Technology and Engineering Education
The West Bend School District’s Technology and Engineering Department offers a coursework in a variety of career pathways. Each pathway starts with an introductory level course to explore careers and build foundation knowledge and skills within that pathway. Once a student completes an introductory course, they are prepared to continue into more advanced courses with in the pathway, or explore other pathways the department has to offer. By utilizing Project Lead The Way (PLTW) and many “traditional” vocational education classes, our department offers 28 different courses in many career fields including, but not limited; to graphic arts, digital media - photo, video and animation, architecture, engineering, woodworking, building construction, metal fabrication, manual and CNC machining, welding, small engines, automotive, electricity and digital electronics.
 

• Currently students in the District are able to access the Technology and Engineering program at Badger Middle School and West Bend East and West High Schools.
• Many WBHS Technology and Engineering students are involved in extracurricular activities sponsored by the technology education department and compete at the state and national level. Currently SkillsUSA, BotsIQ, and ROV, Remote Operated Vehicles.