Your Career Starts in High School
Skilled trades offer high wages, job security, and zero college debt. Explore six career paths you can start today through Marin County's Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.
$79K+
Avg. starting salary
6
Career pathways
0
College debt required
2–5 yrs
To full journeyman wage
Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP)
Diagnose, repair, and restore vehicles of every era
$68,150 avg (Bay Area)
+4% (2024–2034)
Entry in 6–12 months
Automotive technicians diagnose and repair cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles. From classic car restoration to cutting-edge EV diagnostics, this field blends mechanical intuition with modern computer skills. The Car Appreciation and Preservation Program (CAPP) is currently active at Terra Linda High School, with expansion to Novato High School coming Fall 2026.
Program Courses
Program Instructors
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Hands-on shop class, engine teardowns, and ASE prep. Currently at Terra Linda High School; coming to Novato High School Fall 2026.
Earn industry-recognized Automotive Service Excellence certifications.
Work alongside master technicians at a dealership or independent shop.
Specialize in diagnostics, EV, or performance. Earn $55K–$75K.
Top-tier diagnostics specialist or open your own shop. Earn $80K+.
Key Certifications
Construction
Build homes, schools, and the infrastructure of tomorrow
$71,110 avg (Bay Area)
+7% (2024–2034)
Entry in 3–12 months
Construction workers build and renovate residential and commercial structures. Specialties include carpentry, concrete, masonry, and project management. In Marin County, Career Technical Education (CTE) Construction is offered at Terra Linda High School (Intro to BCT A – Building) and coming to Novato High School in Fall 2026 (Intro to BCT B – Trades).
Class Schedule
Intro to BCT A – Building
(Carpentry, Framing, Painting, Roofing)
- Shed construction
- Painting project
- Power and hand tools
- Career guidance / field trips
- Meals provided
Intro to BCT B – Trades
(Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, HVAC)
- Electrical wiring projects
- Plumbing projects
- MIG Welding
- Career guidance / field trips
- Meals provided
Program Instructors
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Intro to BCT A – Building at Terra Linda High School (now); Intro to BCT B – Trades coming to Novato High School Fall 2026.
Earn OSHA certifications and basic trade skills.
Paid training through a union like the Carpenters or Laborers.
Full trade status. Work on commercial or residential projects. Earn $65K–$85K.
Lead crews or manage entire construction projects. Earn $90K–$120K.
Key Certifications
Medical (Healthcare)
Care for your community — from CNA to RN and beyond
$75,000 avg (Bay Area)
+9% (2024–2034)
Entry in 6–18 months
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in California. Students at San Marin High School can begin their medical career pathway through the Career Technical Education (CTE) Medical program, earning certifications and hands-on clinical experience before graduation.
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Hands-on healthcare training at San Marin High School, including clinical rotations and certification prep.
Certified Nursing Assistant training — entry point to hospital and care facility employment.
Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or LVN program at a local community college.
Work in hospitals, clinics, or specialty care. Earn $90K–$120K in the Bay Area.
Advanced practice roles in specialty medicine. Earn $130K+.
Key Certifications
Welding
Fuse metal, build infrastructure, and earn top wages fast
$67,690 avg (Bay Area)
+2% (2024–2034)
Entry in 3–6 months
Welders join metal components for bridges, pipelines, ships, and buildings. Skilled welders are in high demand across construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. With the right certifications, welders can earn six figures on specialized projects.
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Learn MIG, TIG, and stick welding in a school shop environment.
Earn American Welding Society certifications to qualify for union jobs.
Paid on-the-job training through a union or trade contractor.
Work on large-scale construction or manufacturing projects. Earn $60K–$80K.
Inspect welds, train others, or specialize in aerospace/pipeline. Earn $90K+.
Key Certifications
Plumbing
Master the systems that keep homes and buildings running
$90,790 avg (Bay Area)
+4% (2024–2034)
Entry in 6–12 months
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in homes and commercial buildings. It's one of the most recession-proof trades — everyone needs running water. California plumbers earn some of the highest wages in the country, especially in the Bay Area.
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Introduction to pipe systems, fittings, and basic plumbing code.
Earn OSHA 10 and basic plumbing certifications.
Paid apprenticeship through United Association (UA) Local 38 in San Francisco.
Licensed to work independently on residential and commercial jobs. Earn $75K–$95K.
Run your own plumbing business or manage large commercial projects. Earn $100K+.
Key Certifications
Electrical
Power the future — from solar panels to smart buildings
$102,230 avg (Bay Area)
+9% (2024–2034)
Entry in 6–12 months
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. With California's push toward solar energy, EV charging infrastructure, and smart buildings, electricians are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid tradespeople in the state.
Key Skills
Career Roadmap
Learn basic wiring, circuits, and electrical safety in school.
OSHA 10, basic electrical theory, and math preparation.
Paid apprenticeship through IBEW Local 595 (Alameda/Contra Costa) or Local 617 (Marin/Sonoma).
Licensed to work on commercial and residential projects. Earn $80K–$100K.
Own an electrical contracting business or specialize in solar/EV. Earn $110K+.
Key Certifications
Salary data: BLS OEWS, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward MSA, May 2023. View Bay Area data. Job growth projections are national (BLS OOH, 2024–2034). Bay Area wages are significantly above national medians. Retrieved April 2026.
Scholarship applications closed — programs still open