Thousands of challenging educational and training opportunities are offered in the highly skilled Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Career Cluster. These opportunities continue to expand in the areas of corporate, industrial, homeland security and public safety.

This career cluster is organized into five career pathways:

• Emergency and fire management
• Security and protective services
• Law enforcement services
• Legal services
• Correction services

Careers

Students in law, public safety, corrections and security learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career & Technical Student Organizations

Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organization for law, public safety, corrections and security is SkillsUSA

Education After High School

It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes law, public safety, corrections and security, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• On-the-job training as a paralegal, fire fighter, police officer, or security or corrections officer
• A two-year college degree in fire protection and prevention, paralegal services, criminal justice or administration of justice
• A four-year college degree in law, corrections management, legal management, government, criminal justice, criminal psychology, public safety or national security

Student Resources

Middle & High School

For information about your district's CTE offerings and how to move forward with planning for your future, contact or visit:

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• Career and Technical Education - Washington

Apprenticeship & College

More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Education - Online Search
• Washington Student Achievement Council
• Washington Career Bridge
• University of Washington School of Law
• Washington State Approved Paramedic Programs

Additional Resources

• Washington State Bar Association
• Washington State Emergency Management
• Washington State Department of Corrections
• Washington State Patrol
• Washington State Fire Fighters' Association
• Workplace Safety and Health - Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Check out county and city government websites, as well. Each has its own governmental structure and employment opportunities in law, public safety, corrections and security.

For Educators

Forms and Standards