Roanoke Rapids High School CTE Programs

This week, I want to spotlight Roanoke Rapids High School’s Career and Technical Education programs, which offer students hands-on experiences that lead to practical skills and career readiness. 

For the 2024-25 school year, students had the opportunity to sign up for 32 different courses from ten career clusters including architecture and construction; business management and administration; health science; hospitality and tourism; human services; information technology; law, public safety, corrections, and security; manufacturing; marketing; and transportation, distribution, and logistics. 

The mission of our CTE program is to empower students to be successful citizens, workers, and leaders in a global economy. 

Our CTE programs are designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of students, including basic skills, as well as their ability to work independently and as part of a team, think creatively and solve problems, and utilize technology in the thinking and problem-solving process.

Among some of our newest courses are Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operations, Drone Technology, and Welding Technology, which are preparing students to enter high-demand industries with a competitive edge. 

We also have been able to enhance our Health Science and Public Safety courses through the purchase of state of the art equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operations offers students the chance to operate industrial machinery used in construction and logistics. 

Students gain real-world experience in controlling bulldozers, excavators, and other essential heavy machinery, preparing them for careers in construction, transportation, and other sectors where these skills are invaluable. 

As with many of our CTE courses, students have the opportunity to earn Heavy Equipment certification via the National Center for Construction Education and Research at no cost to the student. 

As part of this course, students learn through virtual reality using two Cat Simulators, which feature authentic Cat controls from Caterpillar, Inc. 

Students learn the same procedures as in the actual machine using genuine controls and buttons to match each machine. 

Each Cat Simulator features the same genuine controls as found in the actual machine which means operators can make a seamless transition to the field.

In the Drone Technology courses, students gain knowledge in the field of aviation and learn the skills needed to fly basic drones for recreational purposes. 

As students continue in the program, they also acquire basic information about the drone industry to gain an understanding of careers and skills in this field including manual flight and flight mapping software. As part of these courses, students earn Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certification as well as their NCDOT NC UAS Operator Permit.

In the Health Sciences program, students explore careers in the medical field through courses that emphasize patient care, medical terminology, and basic health procedures. 

This pathway equips students with foundational knowledge that can lead to careers in nursing, physical therapy, and various allied health professions. 

The program is a gateway for students interested in furthering their education in healthcare. 

We have been able to purchase an Anatomage table, which uses advanced 3D medical visualization technology, specializing in digitizing real human bodies into interactive, fully functional digital models known as Anatomage Bodies and has revolutionized the way students visualize, understand, and study human bodies.

Welding Technology courses offer both artistic and industrial skill-building opportunities. Students master techniques in metalworking, from basic welding to advanced fabrication, safety, tools and equipment, measurement, thermal cutting processes, base metal preparation and shielded metal arc welding enabling students to pursue careers in fields like automotive repair, manufacturing, and metal artistry. 

The welding program provides a critical trade skill, filling an ever-growing demand in the skilled labor market.

In addition to robust opportunities in our classrooms, our students can also compete against others with the skills they learn in SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students that empowers them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. 

Recently, members of the RRHS SkillsUSA Executive Board attended the State Leadership Conference at Camp Dixie. 

Over three days, they participated in various leadership activities designed to help them lead the chapter effectively. These student leaders have already begun planning for the prestigious Chapter Excellence Award, an honor that recognizes schools for outstanding involvement in SkillsUSA. Each board member was awarded the State Leadership Pin, the highest honor given by SkillsUSA North Carolina, signifying their growth in leadership and dedication to the chapter. The board consists of the following students:

Jillian Ott, President

Maecy Garris, Vice President

Morgan Beam, Secretary

Ayden Turner, Treasurer

Madison Jones, Reporter

Shandi Byrum, Historian

Their dedication and leadership will not only help the chapter excel but also contribute to the school’s growing reputation for excellence in Career and Technical Education. 

With such programs and strong student involvement, we are shaping the future leaders of tomorrow’s industries.