CAT Pickering is committed to preparing students for post-secondary education and successful careers. Therefore, there is an emphasis on students learning and practicing good communications skills. Key skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, have been incorporated into a two-part Communications Project that is required of all 10th and 12th grade students. 11th grade students need to complete a writing assignment that is tied to the job shadow experience that is part of the e-portfolio project. The Communications Project helps to prepare students for the Graduation Project, which also includes an exhibition of their skills.

The first requirement is a written research paper; the second is an oral presentation based on the written information. The research paper is a formal composition based on information gathered from reliable sources, organized, and logically written.

Both the technical and academic teaching staff is involved in guiding and evaluating these projects. This team approach adds to the value and practicality of the Communications Project.

The first collaboration between a student and the faculty involves choosing a topic. The topic must be related to the student's technical program, be of interest to the student, and be approved by the occupational teacher. The topic might involve a scientific principle or process related to the program, or it might relate to something that is designed for or constructed in the program- The topic might illustrate the theory, foundation, or framework for some aspect of the student's career & technology program.

Students receive specific instructions, explanations, and guidance to complete the various portions of the projects. Full-time Pickering students complete the projects as part of their English course curriculum. SOAR staff and other school personnel are available to assist the part-time students to complete each of the required projects.