CTE & Vocational Education

We’re focused on future success. Hanna’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and Vocational Education programs help participants develop the skills and knowledge to become successful in the workplace.

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Hanna recognizes that each path forward is not the same for everyone. Some may be attending college, joining the armed forces or moving directly into a career. We want to offer as many opportunities as possible so that participants can explore a variety of career options and launch from Hanna feeling confident in their ability to secure a job with a clear pathway to a stable career.

In 2021, we began providing Vocational Training services to all youth in the Sonoma area. This expansion allows for expanded opportunities — including hosting the Northbay TIP (Trade Introduction Program) Cohort on the Hanna campus — as well as broader interaction for all youth on our campus.

Entwined with all CTE education at Hanna, each vocational training pathway includes work readiness training along with workplace, interpersonal, communications and self-management skills, and financial literacy. At Hanna, youth don’t just learn the subject matter — they learn how to be successful professionals and coworkers.

Educators should provide opportunities for people to learn about themselves and find a pathway towards a living wage in life. Through our CTE program, we’re lowering the barrier for entry. That makes a real difference in kids’ lives.

CTE Pathways

North Bay TIP is a certificated apprenticeship readiness program that will introduce attendees to apprenticeships in the many building and construction trades. It is intended to increase skills in construction math, drafting, drawing, work readiness and job safety while developing relationships within the North Bay Building Trades industry. This in turn helps participants become viable candidates for union apprenticeships. Those interested are free to come to an orientation before deciding if they want to sign-up for the program however, it is helpful to sign-up for an orientation so class leaders know how many attendees to expect.

Hanna’s year-round Agriculture program connects learning opportunities with practical, hands-on experiences.

Many participants come from urban neighborhoods and have limited, if any, experience or knowledge about agriculture. Programs for at risk youth open doors to learn leadership skills, and practical applications of science, technology, ranch management, sustainability and resource cultivation., environmental protection and conservation, and meteorology—especially as it relates to climate. It also fosters community service opportunities and expansion of employment prospects.

Our Agricultural program provides a host of different experiences and opportunities for skill building, from working in our small cabernet vineyard to new programs focused on sustainable gardening, culinary, and associated practices. Currently, our largest focus of time and energy is spent on our FFA program which includes breeding sheep, market sheep, pasture management, and integrative work with our on-campus construction programs.

Field trips to a variety of industry-related venues including the local auction yard, dairies/ranches, vineyards, and sheepdog trials.

These programs provide an opportunity for students to gain industry skills while acquiring valuable graduation credits.

Special classes are also held during a 7-week summer curriculum held on consecutive Saturdays (eight hours each) to provide enhanced access for teens from the community through collaborative efforts with Teen Services Sonoma. During these classes, teens learn marketable entry level skills and valuable work experience in the construction industry.

These carpentry, welding, and blacksmithing programs also provide career pathways for those potentially interested in a vocation in the construction industry.