Career Technical Education

Program Philosophy and Purpose

VACE's Career Technical Education is founded on the belief that knowledge is a key element of life. The more that is known about a subject, the more it can be enjoyed, pursued, accepted or defended. Recognizing that adult learning patterns and needs must be addressed in a sensitive and responsible manner, the training programs have been designed to be comprehensive, supportive and flexible. The staff of VACE's Career Technical Education is dedicated to meeting each individual student’s vocational needs and to the development of self-worth through assets building and educational opportunities.

The purpose of the Career Technical Education programs is to provide learners with every educational opportunity necessary to develop their potential regardless of age, heritage, handicapping condition, or background.

Career Technical Education Offers:

• Designated Vocational Program of Excellence
• Individualized instruction
• Competency-based curriculum
• Dual accreditation by WASC and COE
• Recognition by America 2000 as 1 of 11 outstanding U.S. adult training programs
• Qualified, credentialed instructors
• Low student/teacher ratio
• State-of-the-art computers and equipment
• Latest industry-based software
• Weekly employability workshops
• Access to free basic academic skills, literacy and ESL instruction
• GED preparation at no cost
• Monthly progress reports
• Daily attendance reporting
• Student Support and Career Center
• Financial aid assistance (see Financial Aid Policies and Procedures above)
• Approved for veterans (see Education Benefit Programs Offered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense above)
• Job placement assistance
• Professional certification

VACE will admit any Career Technical Education students who are at least 18 years of age, possess high school diplomas, GED^®s, or equivalent, have career technical education objectives, and can benefit from training. Proof of high school diploma, General Equivalency Development (GED^®), or equivalent is required at enrollment. Diplomas from foreign countries must be evaluated for equivalency before admission. Students aged 18 and under who are presently attending high school are not eligible for enrollment. Eligible students may enroll at any time during the year on a programmatic space-available basis. Students applying for financial aid must meet all federal requirements. VACE provides educational opportunities regardless of age, heritage, handicapping condition, or background.

Students who do not have high school diplomas, GED^®, or other high school equivalent certificates may enroll in VACE’s high school diploma program or equivalency test preparation courses prior to enrollment in CTE programs. Ventura Adult and Career Education provides GED^® and HiSET test preparation classes at no cost.

Prospective CTE students are required to meet with counselors or administrators prior to enrollment. Prospective students are shown the facilities, introduced to the staff and faculty members, and informed about how course content relates to future employment opportunities. All students must meet specific program prerequisites and complete all enrollment procedures prior to admission. (See specific information for the Pharmacy Technician and Todd Road Jail Programs on the program pages.)

VACE/CTE is designed to instruct adult students in vocational training programs that will support the students job-related goals. One major factor in achieving this goal is attendance. VACE/CTE does not function like a traditional school in relation to absenteeism. It functions like a place of employment. Thus, on the job, even one absence with or without an excuse can jeopardize your employment. Your training program commitment at VACE/CTE should reflect your commitment to a job.

Your attendance is critical to the success of your VACE/CTE program. The attendance policy requires you to attend your full scheduled hours and permits a maximum of 5 absences per 15 weeks of scheduled instruction. Failure to maintain attendance above this level may result in being placed on attendance probation. VACE/CTE also requires attendance at all job placement workshops, resume appointments and a practice interview. Failure to complete these requirements by the end of your program may result in a delay in the issuing of your graduation certificate.

Vocational Resource Instructors will follow up when a student's attendance falls below standards and/or they fail to make expected academic progress.

Leave of Absence requests must be made in advance (except in emergency situations) and must be approved by the instructor and/or the Program Counselor. Leaves of absence are considered for absences of 5 or more school days. To retain financial aid eligibility, a maximum of 180 days of leave (including weekends and holidays) are permitted during the length of a program.

Students must maintain a pace of progress through the course material to ensure completion of the program within 125% of the published length of their program.

For students enrolled July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025

Click to download this statistics

Graduation, Job Placement and Licensure Rates
For Students Enrolled July 1, 2024– June 30, 2025
Reported December 2025

Each program must meet minimum benchmarks as required by the Council on Occupational Education: 60% graduation, 70% job placement, and 70% licensure. Licensure is only applicable when a license is required for employment.

¹As mandated by VACE’s accreditation agency, the Council on Occupational Education, the Job Placement rate is calculated as follows:

The numerator consists of all graduates within the specified time period who got training-related jobs. The denominator consists of all graduates within the specified time period. Excluded from this calculation were graduates unavailable for employment because of pregnancy, other serious health-related issues (physical/mental/behavioral), caring for ill family members, incarceration, death, etc. ALSO, graduate completers who, instead of securing traditional employment, are volunteering with a foreign aid service of the Federal government, such as the Peace Corps, or who are participating on an official church mission; and graduates who refused employment or enrolled in a program strictly for personal use.

Click to see the VACE Career Technical Education Default Rate information.

VACE's facilities are located at 5200 and 5280 Valentine Road in an upscale industrial park. All Career Technical Education (CTE) classes, with the exception of the Food Service and Hospitality program, are offered at 5200 Valentine Road, which houses seventeen classrooms, including three multipurpose community rooms, four student restrooms and one office suite. The facilities were purchased in 1995. A Certificate of Participation (COP) loan was utilized for remodeling and upgrading site utilities.

Financial Aid

VACE offers a variety of Financial Aid (Pell Grants) to help students. This is a pdf of our Financial Aid Flyer (2 page pdf). Feel free to contact us for more information.

To apply for Title IV financial aid funds, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

See also our Net Price Calculator link in the above tabs.

Refund Policy

Ventura Adult and Career Education’s Institutional Refund Policy, as outlined below, applies to all students enrolled in the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs who withdraw and cease to be enrolled in programs. Refunds when due will not require a written request by the student. The Institutional Refund Policy determines the amount of institutional charges students have incurred at the time of withdrawal.

Refunds for Classes Canceled by the Institution:

If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a class, and Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE) cancels the class, 100% of the tuition and fees will be refunded within 45 days of the cancellation.

Refunds for Students Who Withdraw On or Before the First Day of Class:

If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a class, and students do not begin the classes or withdraw on the first day of class, full refunds shall be made within 45 days of the class start dates.

Refunds for Withdrawal After Classes Commence:

If students withdraw from VACE/CTE Programs:

• During the first 25% of the scheduled weeks, the institution shall refund 75% of the tuition;
• After the first 25% and until the end of the first 50% of the scheduled weeks, the institution shall refund 50% of the tuition;
• After the first 50% of the scheduled weeks, the institution will retain all of the tuition.

The refund policy applies to tuition fees only. When students withdraw from VACE/CTE programs, additional fees, books, and supplies are not prorated. However, if the books are unused, determined to be in ”new” conditions and returned within 10 days after withdrawals, the charges are credited to the students’ financial aid accounts. Refunds, when due, are made within 45 days of the last day of attendance if written notification of withdrawal has been provided to VACE by the student or from the date that VACE terminates the student or determines that the student has withdrawn from the program. If a student receives Federal Student Aid, the Financial Aid Technician is responsible for initiating a “Return of Title IV Funds” calculation upon withdrawal. 

VACE programs are competency-based. Students must pass each course with a grade of 70% or better. All assignments and tests not up to the 70% standard will be redone or retaken until this level of achievement is met or exceeded. No grade lower than a “C” will be issued.

Grades will be based upon the following criteria:

A - Accuracy, timely manner of completion, tests and exercises from 100% - 90%

B - Accuracy, timely manner of completion, tests and exercises from 89% - 80%

C - Accuracy, timely manner of completion, tests and exercises from 79% - 70%

Job placement is a core part of the VACE experience. Students receive instruction and support designed to build the skills needed for a successful job search, including resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and networking strategies.

Support is offered through a combination of classroom instruction, small group activities, and one-on-one advisement. This approach allows students to receive both foundational skills training and personalized guidance based on their individual career goals.

VACE maintains relationships with employers throughout the local business community, which helps connect students with hiring opportunities as they complete their training.

Pharmacy Technician only: The California State Board of Pharmacy requires students who apply for pharmacy technician licenses to file 'Practitioner Self-Query Reports' from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and submit Live Scan fingerprints with the applications. At the time of enrollment, VACE requires verification of a 'report of no findings' on prospective students' Self Query Response reports.

Net Price Calculator

Click to calculate the maximum cost of attending VACE's Career Technical Education

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Adult Learning Philosophy and Student Expectations

Ventura Adult and Career Education (VACE) Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to meet the unique needs of adult learners. Our programs provide flexible, career-focused instruction that supports students as they work toward their educational and employment goals.

Adult learners benefit from educational experiences that:

• Allow for individualized learning and progress within established program timelines.
• Build strong workplace, life, and career-readiness skills.
• Emphasize practical, hands-on learning and real-world application.
• Prepare students for the next step in their educational or career pathway.
• Maximize learning and skill development in an efficient and purposeful manner.
• Foster confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Encourage active participation and ownership of the learning process.
• Provide instructional support through teachers who serve as guides, coaches, and facilitators.

Career Technical Education Learning Environment

VACE CTE programs are structured to resemble professional workplace environments. Instructors serve as supervisors and mentors, helping students develop the technical knowledge, professional skills, and workplace behaviors expected by employers.

Rather than relying primarily on lecture-based instruction, courses utilize a variety of learning methods, materials, and technologies to support student success. Small- to medium-sized classes allow instructors to provide individualized assistance and feedback. Students also benefit from industry-relevant equipment and resources that support hands-on learning and skill development.

Competency-Based Learning

All CTE programs are competency-based and include established completion timelines. Students progress by demonstrating mastery of required skills and competencies. Because every learner brings different experiences and abilities, progress may vary from one competency area to another.

Students are encouraged to make the best use of their instructional time and remain focused on achieving the goals established for their program. When appropriate, additional academic or instructional support services may be incorporated to help students successfully meet program requirements.

Professional Expectations

CTE programs are designed to prepare students for employment. Therefore, expectations regarding attendance, professionalism, workplace behavior, communication, and performance reflect those commonly found in professional settings. Student performance may be evaluated using standards similar to those used by employers.

To be successful, students should strive to:

• Demonstrate self-motivation and initiative.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate effectively with instructors, staff, and fellow students.
• Locate, evaluate, and use available resources.
• Analyze and apply new information.
• Use technology appropriately and effectively.
• Set and work toward personal and professional goals.
• Practice responsibility, self-discipline, and accountability.
• Resolve conflicts respectfully and constructively.
• Manage time effectively and meet program deadlines.

Academic Integrity

Academic honesty is an essential component of student success and professional conduct. All work submitted must be the student's own unless collaboration has been specifically authorized by the instructor.

Using another student's work, copying assignments, or engaging in any form of academic dishonesty constitutes cheating and is a violation of the VACE Student Code of Conduct. VACE maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding cheating. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including a failing grade, dismissal from a course, or removal from the program.

Student Support and Communication

VACE is committed to supporting student success. If you are experiencing challenges in class, follow your instructor's established procedures for requesting assistance. In addition to your instructor, a variety of support staff are available to help you succeed, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout your educational journey.

Available resources may include administrators, the program counselor, instructors, and the Employment Development Instructor. Students are encouraged to seek assistance early whenever academic, personal, or career-related concerns arise.

VACE values open communication and welcomes both positive feedback and constructive suggestions. Continuous improvement is important for both individuals and organizations, and student input plays an important role in helping us strengthen our programs and services. By working together, we can create a positive learning environment that supports growth, achievement, and lifelong learning.

While VACE does not currently offer student loans, we recognize that some of our students might currently have existing loans. VACE is partnering with IonTuition to assist students with the management of their student loans. The IonTuition portal helps borrowers manage the repayment of federal and private student loans through a single, user-friendly platform. IonTuition users receive guidance from self-service planning tools and live counselors to find repayment plans that work for them, including income-driven options. IonTuition monitors your repayment and will notify you of any critical changes, so you can relax and know that you're on the best possible path to eliminating your student loan debt. IonTuition is a third-party servicer under the requirements defined by the U.S. Department of Education. IonTuition Pre-Register portal.

Transfer of Credit Policy/ Transfer From Other Institutions

VACE is a competency-based adult education program. Therefore, VACE does not accept transferring credits from other institutions. However, prior experience or CTE coursework can be beneficial in regard to completion of program competencies.

Inter-Program Transfers: Student transfers from one VACE Career Technical Education program area to another (for example, from Business and Accounting to Computer Systems Technology) must be approved by the instructors of the career program areas to which they are transferring and by the CTE Counselors.

Intra-Program Transfers: Students wishing to change to other programs within the same career program area may request to do so. The requests are typically granted on a case-by-case basis.

Uniform Complaint Procedure

It is the intention of the Ventura Unified School District Governing Board that every member of the community shall have the right for prompt and orderly

redress of a grievance relating to an alleged violation of federal or state laws or regulations of educational programs.  Therefore, pursuant to California Code of

Regulations, Title 5, Section 4600, the District has developed necessary procedures to process a complaint regarding educational services provided by the adult school. The policy and forms are available at the Ventura Adult and Continuing Education offices.

The Williams, et al., vs. State of California, et al. (Williams) case was filed as a class action in 2000. The basis of the lawsuit was that the agencies failed to provide public school students with equal access to instructional materials, safe and decent school facilities, and qualified teachers.

The following compliance officer(s) shall receive and investigate complaints and shall ensure district compliance with law:

Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

255 W. Stanley Ave.

Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 641-5000 Ext. 1150

Ventura Adult and Continuing Education is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.  If complaints are not handled at the institutional level, contact the:

Council on Occupational Education

7840 Roswell Road

Building 300, Suite 325

Atlanta, GA 30350

770-396-3898

770-396-3790 (fax)

www.council.org  

• If you served on Active Duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® provides financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001 or Chapter 31 for individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the GI Bill^®.
• If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer of the service member’s Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits to you.
• Military Spouse Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), allows spouses to request tuition assistance up to $2,000 for a certificate program. Visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/network/mycaa-scholarship/.

Please contact Myra Nunley at (805) 289-1744 extension 1102 for further information.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

VACE makes a good faith effort to provide voter registration forms for all students who are eligible to vote and haven’t yet registered or for students who have moved, changed names, or wish to change party affiliation and need to update their information.

Monthly student assemblies offer an opportunity to remind students to register to vote. At our Constitution Day celebration, we include representatives from such organizations as the League of Women Voters to encourage students to register. Requirements for voting in California and other helpful information such as registration deadlines are presented on the California Secretary of State’s website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration.

Voter registration forms are available in the VACE office. Students can pick up forms at any time before the registration deadline for each election. For those who prefer to register electronically, California also offers online registration at http://registertovote.ca.gov.