Career Assessment, Planning & Placement
Charlottesville City Schools, in collaboration with local businesses, community service agencies, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center, has developed a comprehensive career development program designed to prepare students to transition from school to postsecondary education and employment.
Acknowledging that career development is everyone’s responsibility (administrators, teachers, counselors, support staff, students, parents and the community), the Career Assessment, Planning and Placement (CAPP) office supports a comprehensive career development program infused into the K-12 curriculum by helping students gain: knowledge of self in relation to careers; an awareness and understanding of various careers; an understanding and appreciation of the need for marketable skills and experience through work-based learning opportunities
Career Exploration in Elementary and Middle School
Students in grades K-6 are introduced to career awareness and exploration by teachers, counselors and business representatives. At Buford Middle School, students use Career Cruising software to identify their skills, interests and related careers. Buford participates in a Regional 7th Grade Career EXPO, and select elective courses based on personal interest.
Career-Related Opportunities and Planning in High School
School counselors assist students in developing an Academic and Career Plan to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals. The CAPP office assists students in the identification and exploration of career interests, aptitudes, skills, learning styles, work values and other work behaviors.
High school students have numerous career-related and skill-building elective courses to choose from, including environmental science, architectural drawing/CAD, fashion design and merchandise and many others. Also, CATEC offers specific programs in auto body repair, auto technology, barbering, cosmetology, culinary arts, building trades, masonry, EMT/firefighting, dental assistant, pharmacy technician, music resource technology, and nurse aide.
Students are encouraged to explore different career options as presented in the CCS Program of Study and Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC). They are encouraged to select a Career Pathway matching one of 16 career families identified by the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education Services.
Students can gain “real-world” experience through work-study, student apprenticeship and senior internship programs. Also, student clubs offer opportunities to expand one‘s knowledge and experience in particular fields.
To find out more about CCS career programs for students, contact CAPP staff:
- Vocational Planner: Ms. L. Lee Davis
- (434)245-2634
Lee.Davis@ccs.k12.va.us - Career Counselor/Assessment Specialist: Gigi Davis-White
- (434)245-2690
Gigi.Davis-White@ccs.k12.va.us
Publications about Career Planning
- Career Assessment Brochure
- Competitive Employment Work & Transition Program Brochure
- Competitive Employment Work & Transition Program Overview
- Quick Guide to Job Interviews
- Portfolio Development Brochure
- Career Pathways
- Culinary Pathways
- Career Action Plannning Curriculum
- Transition Planning for Students w/ Disabilities & their Parents
- Service Learning
- CCS Program of Study