Free skilled programs at Novato High highlight classroom to career paths
Shifting Gears USA has launched free after school Career Technical Education classes at Novato High School, giving high school students across Marin County hands-on experience in construction trades and automotive skills while earning CTE elective credit.
Designed to complement classroom learning with practical experience, the classes help students build foundational skills while learning about education and employment pathways in high-demand technical fields.
The program offers two courses. Building and Construction Trades introduces students to construction, carpentry, roofing, painting, jobsite safety and trade-related problem-solving. The Car Appreciation and Preservation Program covers automobile history, basic repair and maintenance, tools and shop practices. Students also learn how skilled-trades experience can lead to apprenticeships, community college programs, industry certifications, entrepreneurship or direct entry into the workforce.
“For many students, the skilled trades become real only when they have the chance to pick up tools, practice new skills and see how classroom learning connects to actual careers,” said Charles Goodman, founder of Shifting Gears USA. “Our goal is to make those opportunities more accessible and to help students discover practical, respected pathways that can lead to good jobs, further training and lifelong confidence.”
Shifting Gears USA is a Marin County nonprofit that expands access to technical education and skilled-trades opportunities for young people through partnerships, mentoring, scholarships, internships and community support. Its programs help students connect hands-on learning with meaningful careers and long- term economic opportunity. Since May, Shifting Gears USA and the Marin County Office of Education have raised $650,000 toward a $1.675 million goal for the Novato Career Technical Education Center. The campaign will fund an all-weather, multi-use outdoor classroom for these courses, as well as renovations of existing classrooms and work areas and the purchase of equipment.
To contribute, contact Shifting Gears USA at [email protected] or visit shiftinggearsusa.org.
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