FOOD SERVICE AND HOSPITALITY This career path equips students for a wide range of careers in restaurants, hotels, clubs, resorts, hospitals, and institutions. Students enroll in high school, college and apprenticeship programs that begin by studying all aspects of the food service and hospitality industry including team work, communication skills, production and ways to improve the quality of products and customer service. Thereafter they will specialize in one area, such as commercial baking or restaurant food service. Many opportunities are available for highly motivated and talented workers who want to have good paying jobs in the food service industry. This exciting industry is the largest retail employer in the nation with an expected growth of 33 percent through the year 2005. In addition, opportunities exist for owning and operating small food service and catering businesses. HOSPITALITY, TOURISM AND RECREATION The career field with the largest employment base in the private sector is Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation. According to the California Trade and Commerce Agency, this industry employs over 700,000 workers and contributes $53 billion annually to the California economy with an expected growth of 25 percent by 2005. The Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation career path includes careers in lodging, travel services, eco-tourism, recreation and event planning. Job choices in this field range from social director and event planner to convention coordinator and hotel manager. The curriculum offers a study in travel destinations, special event planning, guest service, computer applications, recreation, sales and financial transactions. This career path appeals to students who enjoy working with people and are willing to develop excellent communications skills. INTERIOR DESIGN Career Options in the Interior Design industry will continue to expand over the next decade. From corporate America to individual homeowners, a need exists for professionals to help create or enhance pleasant living and working environments. This career path includes the study of interior design elements and principles, selection and care of textiles and furnishings, space planning, window, wall and floor treatments, home and office design, marketing and merchandising, and energy efficiency. Suggested courses to include in this career path include housing and interior design along with art and computer applications. Interior and furniture designers, photo stylists, and set designers are some of the exciting career opportunities in this field. FASHION DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND MERCHANDISING The fashion and apparel industry is one of California's leading employers and California is now ranked number one in the nation as both a wholesale and retail center. Students choosing this career path have the option of specializing in design, manufacturing or merchandising. Few careers offer the unlimited opportunities, creativity, and versatility of the fashion world. From the small entrepreneur to a large apparel manufacturing operation, there are rewarding jobs in most communities. CONSUMER SERVICES The Consumer Services career path will provide students with the background needed for a variety of careers. California's growing population ensures that in the future many individuals and families will need information to make wise purchasing and financial decisions. Students who have a background in Home Economics and Technology Education bring valuable product knowledge, leadership and management skills to the workplace. Consumer studies include business management, consumer rights and responsibilities, customer relations, research, advertising, public relations and product information. Careers in this pathway include credit counselors, consumer reporters and writers, consumer affairs directors, consumer advocates and energy efficiency specialists. FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES Working to help people live more comfortably, solve problems successfully and resolve conflicts more equitably not only has a positive impact on their lives, but is personally rewarding to those who choose the field of Family and Human Services. Careers as human service workers and personal/home care aides are projected to be among the ten fastest growing in California in the next decade. Technical careers in social services with such job titles as social services aide and technician will be available across the state. Career opportunities include social service technician, eligibility worker, family counselor, and recreation supervisor. FOOD SCIENCE, DIETETICS AND NUTRITION The Food Science, Dietetics, and Nutrition cluster offers students a science-based foundation for careers in research, health care and support services for maintaining healthy life styles. The focus on diet, nutrition and health has made people aware of healthy eating. Specialists in food composition and preparation have been and will continue to compete for career positions ranging from dietary technician, food and drug inspector to home economist, dietitian and nutritionist. Jobs which address the special needs of children and seniors will experience large growth. Students in this field will learn food and nutrition counseling, quality assurance, laboratory maintenance and inventory, evaluation of food products, food marketing, and product development for specialized markets. CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION Working with young children is one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers in life. The need for skilled professionals such as preschool, kindergarten, elementary and secondary teachers is at an all-time high, and will experience continued growth. Vital to California's future is that our children develop confidence, self-esteem, and knowledge which comes in part from a nurturing educational environment. Students in this career path will study child care licensing, facility operations, child growth and development, nutrition, health and safety, classroom management, instructional programs and recreational activities. In addition to classroom teachers, job opportunities include child day care supervisor, preschool director, and child psychologist.