Start prepping NOW for your dream job or work-anywhere trade skills!
Learn to Take a Product from Dream to Design to Market — and More
We are living in the era of the entrepreneur. Do you dream of launching and growing your own business? Are you interested in learning all about manufacturing — including the design, production, marketing and sales aspects? Do you long to be your own boss? If this sounds like you, then you might want to start building a thriving career in design technology and entrepreneurship. This multi-layered, deeply-connected program offers curious and innovative students an entryway into both a valuable college degree and a rewarding career path. It’s a great way to learn all about product design and manufacturing — including how to create and develop your own individual dreams and plans.
What You'll Learn
From 11th grade upward, enroll in A-G approved courses to start preparing for your career in the manufacturing industry. Classes include:
- CTE Concentrator Design Tech Survey (Year 1 - 11th grade)
- CTE Capstone Advanced Design Studio (Year 2 - 12th grade)
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the ever-evolving design and manufacturing industry. Immersive and insightful experiences include:
- Manufacturing tool and design software skill development
- Entrepreneurial and leadership skill development
- Field trips to businesses such as BMW Group, Sonos, Patagonia, Channel Islands Surfboard Factory, JPL, DWG Drums, and SCOSCHE Industries
- Guest speakers
- Field trips to local industry partners and colleges to explore potential career paths
Who You Can Be
Kickstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The DTech program prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Machinist
- Engineer
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Entrepreneur
- Small Business Owner
Industry Average Wages: $44,000-$150,000
Projected Industry Growth: 2-10%
CE Teacher:
Brooke Johnson - 11th Grade
(805) 289-0023 x2604
Brooke.Johnson@venturausd.org
Yiu Hung Li - 12th Grade, DTech Pathway Coordinator
(805) 289-0023 x2607
YiuHung.Li@venturausd.org
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Product Innovation and Design CTE pathway offers students (11th grade and up) a fast-track to a degree and career in the manufacturing industry, with opportunities to also build strong product marketing and entrepreneurial skills. This program is based at Foothill Technology High School and consists of two sequenced year-long courses, a concentrator followed by a capstone.
Students learn a wide range of skills — including how to use advanced manufacturing tools and design software to produce valuable products to sell to real clients in the real world. Students become intimately familiar with the entire product development path, from idea to production to sales. This diverse program presents students with an opportunity to become budding entrepreneurs in today’s hyper-competitive and constantly-shifting business landscape. Through this program and its extensive connections, students will enjoy the opportunity to get an up-close, hands-on look at standout businesses such as BMW Group, Sonos, Patagonia, Channel Islands Surfboard Factory, JPL, DWG Drums, NewCo Foundation, and SCOSCHE Industries.
Once you have gained the skills and knowledge in this pathway, there are many options for your next steps after high school - some you can even begin pursuing before you graduate!
1 Year
Industrial Technology and Fabrication Certificate - Ventura College
2 Year
Associate in Science, Advanced Manufacturing - Ventura College
Associate in Science, Drafting Technology: Industrial Design & Manufacturing - Ventura College
4 Year
Bachelor of Science, Business - California State University, Channel Islands
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design - California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Science, Manufacturing Engineering - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo