From Classroom to Costco: CTE students explore careers in business and culinary arts

OKINAWA, JAPAN – Nearly 100 Kubasaki High School Career Technical Education (CTE) students enrolled in Business and Culinary Arts pathways recently took part in a study trip to Costco.

Marketing students completed plan-o-grams, experienced the customer flow of traffic and how shoppers are directed by careful planning of aisles, product placement and custom niche sections – dairy, produce, etc. Business Personal Finance students completed a budgeting activity and determined if they were purchasing brand items, private label (Kirkland) and the unit costs of their groceries. Culinary students received an insider’s look at the bakery and observed the efficient and fast-paced processes for getting baked goods out to the customer. This backstage tour also included samples of chocolate chip cookies, German chocolate cake and chocolate croissants – all best sellers at Costco.

"This supports CTE students in bridging the gap between classroom learning and the real world, gaining hands-on experience that not only prepares them for careers but also empowers them to make impactful contributions to their communities," said Pacific South District CTE ISS Karrell Darden.

Students enjoyed seeing a wholesaler in action – the efficiency of the workers, the constant production of the bakery, and managing the line of customers in the ready-made rotisserie chicken line.

After the activities were completed, students visited the food court and sampled the hot dog combo and specialties of Okinawa, including the melon smoothie and Hokkaido cream soft serve ice cream.

This learning opportunity was coordinated by Ms. Jeanne White, CTE Business teacher, and supported by Ms. Melissa Beall, Ms. Sophia Christian-Holliday, Ms. Cassandra Holsten, and several parents who volunteered to chaperone.