CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) 

Five Keys offers a range of self-paced, in-person or online Career Technical Education (CTE) training programs for students enrolled in its high schools. The courses integrate core academic knowledge with occupational skills to prepare students for careers in growing industries.

Teachers have industry experience and a California Department of Education CTE credential to teach in their field.

Programs align with industry standards and prepare students for industry certifications, union apprenticeships, or college.

CTE Pathway students have direct access to union apprenticeship representatives, transition counseling, job site visits, college tours, internship opportunities, and guest speakers.

IN-PERSON:

Construction pathway

Five Keys offers the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) pre-apprenticeship readiness program with a direct union apprenticeship pathway connection.

MC3 was developed and approved by the Building Trades National Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

The MC3 curriculum covers: construction industry orientation • tools and materials • construction health and safety • blueprint reading • basic math for construction • heritage of the American worker • diversity in the construction industry • green construction • financial literacy.

Location: MC3 is offered in person at the South Los Angeles Weber Community Center (5849 Crocker Street, Los Angeles) and at the Los Angeles County Office of Education Camp Kilpatrick juvenile rehabilitative service facilities in Malibu.

Welding pathway

Our hands-on welding program is an official training and testing provider of the American Welding Society. We follow the American Welding Society’s “SENSE” standards and guidelines for welding education programs. Those who complete the program will have their names listed in the American Welding Society’s SENSE database for verification. Skills and credits are transferable to college-level welding programs that follow the SENSE standards. The program includes preparation for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety welding certification.

Location: Welding is offered in person at the South Los Angeles Weber Community Center (5849 Crocker Street, Los Angeles).

Xerox Digital Printing Career Pathway Program

In partnership with the Xerox Education Division, Five Keys provides a pathway that specializes in graphic design, digital pre-press, digital printing (including wide-format printing), and post-printing processes like bookbinding, folding, cutting, and laminating. Students learn Adobe’s Photoshop, Illustrator and In Design software, and have access to a Mac and PC lab. The program is highly individualized to meet student interests and needs and provides support to students’ entrepreneurial aspirations. The site will soon be operating as a social enterprise, where students can gain work experience.

Location: The printing career pathway program is offered at 13545 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite B8, Pacoima (Los Angeles County).

ONLINE

Medical Pathways

Five Keys offers CTE programs to prepare students for careers in medical fields. For Pharmacy Technician, Five Keys partners with the online Aztec Pharmacy Technician program. For the other medical pathways, Five Keys partners with the U.S. Career Institute online program. Five Keys provides a CTE certified Health instructor, to guide students as they work through the online programs.

Pharmacy Technician

This pathway provides the required 240 hours of instruction required to earn the Pharmacy Technician license issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy. Five Keys partners with the online Aztec Pharmacy Technician program.

Medical Assistant

This program prepares people for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Perform front and back office administrative duties, including patient scheduling.

  • Apply medical terminology, anatomy, and communication skills to interact

with patients and healthcare professionals.

  • Prepare to step into the role of a medical assistant by observing actual procedures via

Virtual Labs and virtually experiencing many clinical procedures.

  • Adhere to federal safety, security, and privacy regulations, as well as accurately maintain and handle medical records.

Patient Care Technician

This program prepares people for the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Apply medical terminology, anatomy, and communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare professionals.

  • Practice infection control and universal safety precautions apply basic first-aid techniques and understand the importance of CPR training.

  • Prepare and perform EKG testing, range of motion exercises, and modalities for patient therapy.

  • Assist patients with positioning and mobility issues and devices. 

  •  Use swallow precautions when feeding patients

  •  Understand devices used to prevent bed sores.

Medical Billing and Coding

This program prepares people for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Understand legal and ethical standards related to patient confidentiality within the healthcare community environment.

  • Define terms showing a fundamental understanding of the human body and medical terminology as they apply to medical billing and coding.

  • Apply industry-standard payment methodologies to complete forms for primary and secondary insurance and create medical bills for patients.

  • Classify and assign diagnostic and procedure codes to medical records using ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems as used in a variety of settings.

Sterile Processing Technician

This program prepares people for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification. The self-paced program is estimated to take 6-12 months. It prepares students to:

  • Decontaminate and prepare a clean work area and explore the high-level disinfection process.

  • Prepare and package instruments and supplies, including labeling and handling instruments.

  • Examine sterilization processes from loading to unloading and learn about sterilizer tests, methods and cycles.

  • Understand safety awareness related to patient care equipment and how to prepare the equipment, receive items and inspect work areas.

Five Keys offers additional vocational and job readiness employment programs that are not affiliated with our high school programs:

Transitional Employment

Participants in Five Keys Transitional Employment programs work paid jobs while receiving support to help them find permanent employment, progress along educational pathways, or enroll in progressive job training. Job readiness workshops, reentry support, access to high school completion, and hosted resource groups are provided. Learn more about transitional employment programs here.

Locations: Transitional employment is offered in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Santa Barbara and San Francisco counties.

Ecological Agricultural Training Cultural Center and Farm (EAT!)

The Ecological Agricultural Training and Cultural Center’s mission is to train farmers, engage farmer families and create communities around ecologically-based, socially just and economically sustainable agriculture. It provides a hands-on, in-person small farm apprenticeship program, and serves as a resource center and gathering place for the agricultural community. The EAT! Center hosts a Rural Farmers & Artisans Market each Thursday. Learn more about EAT! here.

Location: 3954 Old Hamner Road, Norco (Riverside County)

Life Skills and Career Technical Education in Santa Rita Jail

People incarcerated in Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail may participate in Five Keys’ life skills and Career Technical Education program to prepare for employment when they return to the community. Five Keys offers a range of classes including job readiness preparation, digital literacy, anger management, parenting, and substance use treatment. We also offer Career Technical training including cosmetology; computer coding; intro to the trades; horticulture; environmental literacy to prepare people for jobs in “green” industries; food handlers’ certification for hospitality careers; and baking for commercial kitchens. 

Location: Santa Rita Jail, Dublin (Alameda County)