How to Build & Grow an Industry-Aligned CTE Program
Maroun Nehme, Director of Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics at Buena Park High School
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In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Maroun Nehme, Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics teacher at Buena Park High School in California. Maroun has built one of the most impressive high school mechatronics & robotics programs in the country—complete with a structured 3-year pathway, hands-on labs, and SACA and FANUC certifications that prepare students directly for today’s workforce.
But the learning doesn’t stay inside the classroom. Maroun leverages the power of social media, videos and events to turn his students’ achievements into powerful stories that resonate with parents, employers, and the broader community—growing support and enrollment year after year.
Listen to learn:
- How a high school built an industry-aligned, 3-year pathway in advanced robotics and mechatronics
- Why third-party certifications—especially hands-on—are a must for real career readiness
- How offering honors-level CTE courses attracts both college-bound and career-focused students
- Why social media became the program’s most powerful tool for enrollment, engagement, and advocacy
- Educators: Get tips for how to start a CTE program like Buena Park's, AND how to harness the power of social media for your program!
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
1. Industry certifications should be foundational—not optional—in high school CTE programs. At Buena Park High School, students earn SACA, FANUC, and Amatrol certifications across a 3-year advanced robotics and mechatronics pathway. These credentials aren’t just test scores—they’re tied directly to hands-on skills that industry demands, giving students tangible proof they’re workforce-ready.
2. Offering honors-level credit in CTE courses attracts a wider range of students and elevates program credibility. Maroun intentionally made the second and third years of his program include honors-level courses to appeal to college-bound students who care about GPA and academic rigor. It sends a clear message: hands-on technical education is for all students.
3. Strategic storytelling is one of the most effective tools for growing CTE programs. By showcasing student certifications, projects, and success stories on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at community events, Maroun built recognition from city leaders, employers, parents and school administrators. One student-led video even helped redefine how people perceive technical education in his district.
Connect with the Maroun and BPHS ARM Program on Social Media:
Resources in this Episode:
To learn more about the Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM) program, visit their site!
Other resources:
- O*Net Online - Career resources
- SACA - Smart Automation Certification Alliance
- Amatrol - Industrial skills training
- FANUC - Industrial robotics
- MINDS-i - Drones & robotic vehicles
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