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About Our School

About

At Vinal Technical High School, students earn more than a high school diploma—they gain the technical skills, academic knowledge, and real-world experience they need for college, apprenticeships, military service, or a career.

Our unique program combines academics with hands-on career and technical education. Students spend half of the school year in academic classes and the other half in industry-standard trade programs – rotating approximately every two weeks. Along the way, they build technical skills, workplace experience, and the confidence to succeed after graduation.

During their freshman year, students explore our career and technical education programs before choosing a trade that matches their interests and goals. Vinal Tech offers 10 career and technical education programs, giving students the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment while earning industry-recognized credentials.

Students can also take electives and advanced courses as they work toward graduation. Beginning in their junior year, students may participate in our Work-Based Learning program, where they can earn school credit while gaining paid, hands-on experience in their trade during the school day.

At Vinal Technical High School, students graduate with a strong foundation for their next step—whether that means continuing their education, entering an apprenticeship, joining the military, or starting a career.


 

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision CTECS as the primary pipeline for Connecticut’s skilled labor workforce.

Our Mission

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

Our Vision of a Graduate

The Vision of a Graduate (VoG) at the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) embodies our commitment to preparing students for success in Connecticut’s workforce. Developed in collaboration with students, parents, staff, and employers, the VoG ensures that CTECS students are not only job-ready but also equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in a dynamic world. As educators, we are dedicated to developing these qualities by providing a comprehensive education that empowers our students to achieve their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Work-Ready

To be work-ready includes a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and personal qualities that ensure a graduate can effectively contribute to the workplace from day one.

Respectful

Graduates who embody respectfulness emphasize the importance of treating others with dignity, valuing diversity, and fostering an inclusive and positive environment, both personally and professionally.

Problem Solver

Problem solvers tackle challenges by identifying root causes of issues, brainstorming solutions, implementing effective strategies, and demonstrating adaptability.

Critical Thinker

Critical thinkers approach problems systematically by analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make well-informed decisions and contribute to innovative solutions.

Effective Communicator

Effective communicators convey ideas, information, and emotions accurately and persuasively, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Skilled Socially

Graduates who are skilled socially are equipped to navigate social environments, build relationships, and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces.

Where Our Students Come From

Map of Connecticut with a graduation cap icon marking a central location.
 

We attract a diverse student population from across Connecticut because of our extensive Career and Technical Education programs, rigorous academics, opportunities for real-world work experience and the chance to earn college credit. Below are the towns our students frequently come from, but others are encouraged to apply. Learn more about our application process.

Branford, Berlin, Clinton, Cobalt, Cromwell, Chester, Deep River, Durham, East Berlin, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, East Haven, Guilford, Haddam, Hartford, Higganum, Killingworth, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middle Haddam, Middletown, New Britain, Northford, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, Portland, Rockfall, Rocky Hill, Wallingford, Westbrook, Wethersfield