Students were invited to tour Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (CCA), a school where students will get to choose one of 10 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to complete as part of their high school graduation credits.

The courses at Vernon Malone CCA are meant to prepare and give experience to students who already know what field they would like to work in in the future.

Sophomore Zane Rumph attended the tour and feels the school might give students a head start when competing for careers.

“If somebody doesn’t have as much collision repair experience as you, they won’t be as hirable,” Rumph said.

Programs offered at Vernon Malone CCA include Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration, Biopharmaceutical technology, Collision Repair, Cosmetology, Simulation and Game Development, and more.

Vernon Malone CCA aims to offer as much hands on experience as possible for students.

“The classes there have internships you can do,” Rumph said. “People from different schools are there, teachers from Wake Tech can teach you.”

Graduates of Vernon Malone CCA will be able to continue to a four year college, or apply for an Associate of Applied Science degree from Wake Tech.

“They are treating you like you are at an honors level and a college level, so you are prepared for that. You aren’t treated like a little kid, but as an adult,” sophomore Allison Pavletic said.

The Vernon Malone CCA application process began Nov. 1.

“I think it’ll be beneficial because going to school would become more enjoyable,” Pavletic said. “You get to specialize in what you want to do.”