Fall Semester: Professionalism, Safety & Work-Based Integration

1st Six Weeks: Onboarding, Workplace Safety & Goal Setting

• Weeks 1–2: Course Orientation & Practicum Contracts

  • Training plans, training agreements, workplace ethics, and labor laws (OSHA, FLSA youth employment standards).

  • Setting up the Texas AET (Agricultural Experience Tracker) for hour logs and wage/skills tracking.

• Weeks 3–4: General Workplace Safety & Certification

  • Industry-specific safety protocols (PPE, hazardous materials handling, animal handling, machine safety).

  • Deliverable: Mandatory Workplace & Lab Safety Exam (100% mastery required).

• Weeks 5–6: Workplace Dynamics & Professional Standards

  • Employer expectations, dress code, communication protocols, time management, and problem-solving in the workplace.

  • Conducting initial workplace site visits / supervisor consultations.

2nd Six Weeks: Career Development & Technical Skill Building

• Weeks 7–9: Technical Skill Acquisition & Job Analysis

  • Alignment of daily work duties with specialized CTE Program of Study competencies (e.g., Vet Med, Ag Power, Floral Design, Plant Systems).

  • Analyzing operational workflows, inventory systems, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the training site.

• Weeks 10–12: Professional Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Customer service standards, written business communication, conflict resolution, and working in diverse teams.

  • Mid-term employer evaluation and site check-in.

3rd Six Weeks: Financial Literacy & Mid-Year Evaluation

• Weeks 13–15: Agricultural Financial Literacy

  • Understanding paystubs, withholdings, taxes (W-4/W-2), budgeting, and basic operational accounting.

  • Cost-benefit analysis of industry practices and recordkeeping in AET.

• Weeks 16–18: Career Portfolio Development & Semester Review

  • Building a professional portfolio (resume update, cover letter, industry reference contacts, skill photos).

  • Deliverable: Semester 1 Practicum Portfolio & Performance Evaluation.

Spring Semester: Advanced Skills, Leadership & Capstone Presentation

4th Six Weeks: Advanced Technical Competencies & Industry Credentials

• Weeks 19–21: Critical Thinking & Operational Problem Solving

  • Identifying an operational challenge or project at the placement site.

  • Developing solutions using data collection, research, and technical analysis.

• Weeks 22–24: Industry Certification Preparation

  • Prep for pathway-specific certifications (e.g., CVA Level 1, Texas Master Florist, OSHA 10/30, AWS, Feedyard Technician).

  • Conducting mock technical interviews and skills demonstrations.

5th Six Weeks: Leadership, Management & Industry Analysis

• Weeks 25–27: Leadership & Team Management

  • Analyzing leadership styles in agricultural business.

  • Group dynamics, consensus building, delegation, and continuous improvement processes.

• Weeks 28–30: Industry Trends & Innovation

  • Researching emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and market trends affecting the local ag economy.

  • Site supervisor shadow day / advanced management interview.

6th Six Weeks: Capstone Project & Transition to Industry

• Weeks 31–34: Capstone Project & Presentation

  • Finalizing the Practicum Capstone Project (e.g., case study of placement site, major technical project report, or portfolio presentation).

  • Presenting capstone findings to instructor, peers, and industry mentors.

• Weeks 35–36: Final Evaluation & Transition Planning

  • Final employer evaluation and site exit interviews.

  • AET record book closeout (final total of required 10–15+ weekly hours logged).

  • Post-secondary transition plans (college, trade school, or full-time employment).

Year-Round Requirements & Integration