Vo-Tech Program

VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

 (In Cooperation with Butler Co. Area Vocational-Technical School)

Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School offers programming in technical and mechanical, professional, service, and production occupations to eligible high school students residing in the Butler Area School District.  Students who complete 9th, 10th or 11th grade may apply for admission to BCAVTS programs by submitting the BCAVTS Application for Admissions to their academic guidance counselor.  Please see www.butlertec.us, Guidance Office and New Student Admission Application for complete admission details.  Accepted students will spend a two-hour portion of their day involved in career and technical education at BCAVTS and the remainder of the day completing academic requirements at Butler Senior High School. The desire to learn, a cooperative work attitude, and the ability to profit from technical instruction are qualities needed to be a successful student in any of the programs.  As a student at BCAVTS, the technical course work which includes cutting edge, rigorous and relevant curriculum will prepare students of all ability levels to enter an occupation, a post-secondary school, or the military. Each student’s pathway to success is unique. BCAVTS can help you explore that pathway.  Students considering enrollment at BCAVTS need to consider a number of personal factors including:  career interests, academic abilities, social maturity, and specific career aptitudes.  

Earning College Credit at BCAVTS:  Students can earn advanced placement at various post-secondary institutions by taking advantage of local articulation agreements established by BCAVTS or by accessing statewide articulation credits for eligible students.

Local Articulation Agreements have been established with college and career schools throughout the region.  Qualifying students have the opportunity to receive credits at specific institutions for learning achievements accomplished at BCAVTS.  The number of credits awarded and specific requirements vary for each institution.  Call the BCAVTS Guidance Office for the latest articulation information at 724-282-0735.  See page 109-110 for details.

Statewide Articulation Agreements BCAVTS strives to prepare students for college and careers in a diverse, high-performing workforce.  Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, BCAVTS courses have become programs of study (POS) courses that combine relevant, coherent, and rigorous technical education with aligned challenging academic standards.  These career and technical programs of study include a statewide articulation agreement partnership between secondary schools and post-secondary institutions throughout Pennsylvania.  To view current statewide articulation agreements, go to the equivalency search results for PA Bureau of Career and Technical Education at the website www.collegetransfer.net.  

Numerous certification opportunities exist for BCAVTS students.  A certification is a business and/or industry documentation verifying skills and knowledge in a specific area of study.  These certifications may become increasingly important for advancement within a career area.  NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) certification is offered to all students but Machine Technology students. Machine Technology students are offered NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) Certification.  Many more certifications and accreditations are displayed in each Course Description.

Qualifying second and third-year students may wish to consider participating in the Cooperative Education program.  The program can provide a student the opportunity to be employed in his/her area of vocational-technical study and earn wages while under the supervision of the BCAVTS Cooperative Education Coordinator.  All BCAVTS courses are eligible for participation, but students need to meet specific requirements, apply, and be accepted into the program. Cooperative Education guidelines established by the PA Department of Education and approved by the local area school districts will be followed.

BCAVTS has a school counselor who works cooperatively with Senior High school counselors in order to meet the needs of our students.  Questions about specific programs of study at BCAVTS can be referred to the Butler Senior High school counselors or to the Guidance Office at BCAVTS (724) 282-0735.