BRISTOL TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER PROGRAMS

The Bristol Technical Education Center offers a variety of training programs for high school students in Bristol.  The programs and entry requirements are described in the Career and Vocational Education section of the booklet.

Course-Planning/Course Sequence for Bristol Technical Education Center

Students who attend Bristol Tech (BTEC) will earn 5 credits for the successful completion of their coursework. 1 of these credits will count towards a student's math requirement, 1 towards science, and the other 3 towards Vocational/Career elective credits. In most cases, juniors who attend BTEC should be taking English 3 (1.0 credit), Health (.5 credit), and Civics (.5 credit) at Bristol Central/Bristol Eastern. Students will also be expected to enroll in BTEC/PE (.5 credit), which can be taken as an independent study outside of the school day to meet their PE requirement.

Seniors who attend BTEC should take English 4 (1.0 credit), their Social Science requirement, if still needed (.5 credit), PE or BTEC/PE, and/or any other graduation requirements they have left to meet.

Please note: Students considering enrolling at Bristol Tech for junior and/or senior year are encouraged to talk to their school counselor as early in their high school career as possible. A student's enrollment at Bristol Tech is dependent on him or her being able to concurrently, and successfully meet the district's graduation requirement.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Bristol Technical Education Center offers juniors and seniors a full year Vocational-Technical program in which students receive credit toward high school graduation requirements.  If space is available, selected sophomores may participate.  Many high school students attend the Center after graduating.  Training at the Center is tuition-free for students whose class has not yet graduated.  Classes will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 1:45 p.m. and will be held Monday through Friday.  High school students attending the Center can participate in all the high school activities (e.g., varsity sports, class activities, etc.).

High school students receive six credits towards graduation requirements as follows:

• 5 Credits-Technology Education

• 1 Credit-Applied Science

Adults and high school students will receive a trade certificate upon course completion.  In an apprenticeship trade, students may receive 960 hours of credit.

APPLICATIONS

• High school students must fill out an application in the School Counseling Office at the high school.

• Adults may apply directly by calling the Center at (860) 584-8433 or visiting the school in person.

• Visitations to the Center are encouraged.  An evening Open House will be scheduled annually.

PLACEMENT

The Center provides career training in technical and industrial fields.  The staff at the Center will assist you in obtaining jobs.  In many trade areas, the Center has more employment requests than can be filled.  Additionally, the school has continuous calls for students to work part-time in their trade areas while attending school.  Starting wages for these trade areas are excellent.  There is also ample opportunity for career advancement.

Bristol Technical Education Center Pathways

Students enrolled in Bristol Technical Education Center pathways receive 5 credit hours in Technology Education and 1 credit hour in applied science over a two year enrollment period.

AIR-CONDITIONING/ REFRIGERATION & HEATING

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

The students receive instruction in the basic knowledge of various heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.   This includes basic electricity, circuitry, troubleshooting, and the methods used for installation of various heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.  Emphasis is placed on commercial and industrial components.

AUTO MECHANICS

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

The first semester consists of a laboratory program where theory instruction is combined with practical application on operational jobs and projects.  The second semester consists of a theory program with actual service and repair on paying customers’ automobiles.  The students work in a “garage” atmosphere under the supervision of an instructor.

CAD/CAM/DRAFTING

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

The CAD/CAM curriculum provides training at the entry level of a computer aided drafter.  The curriculum is unique because it embraces four different and distinct disciplines—basic engineering mathematics through algebra, basic technical drawing, blueprint reading, and computer aided drafting.  The blueprint reading and basic math portion of the course constitute the trade theory.  In the shop portion of the course, the basic units will be drawn manually, checked by the instructor, and then redrawn using the CADKEY computerized system.  When the basic drafting skills have been acquired to the instructor's satisfaction, sole use of the CAD system will be allowed.

FOOD TRADE/BAKERY

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

Students train to enter the Culinary Arts Field as apprentice cooks, chefs or bakers in the hotel and restaurant industry.  The course teaches planning and preparing menus, management, and banquet and catering services.  The total program is planned to raise the level of student proficiency in both mass production and individual dining experiences.  A modern cafeteria/kitchen serves as a training area for this program.

MACHINE TOOL/COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

The Machine Tool/CNC program provides instruction on millers, grinders, lathes, and computer numerically controlled machinery.  Theory is taught each day and is directed toward all phases of information needed to use the various machine, machine accessories, as well as set up and operation procedures.  The remainder of the day is project oriented and students make tools necessary for the trade.

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

A one-year program covers basic DC theory, AC theory, motor, and motor controls, emphasizing solid state devices, digital electronics theory, computer applications and theory, and practical troubleshooting and repair of electronic equipment.  All areas of instruction consist of basic theory and the use of associated test equipment pertaining to each area.  Students will become proficient in the practical; application of theory and test equipment procedures and can follow a wiring diagram to repair all areas covered.

WELDING

5 credit hours-Technology Education (2-credit hours-Junior year, 3-credit hours-Senior year)

1 credit hour-Applied Science

Students will receive training in the following welding areas:  oxyacetylene welding, cutting and brazing, shielded metal-arc welding, gas metal-arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding.  Students will also be exposed to fabrication and repair using various metals. Emphasis will be placed on commercial and industrial techniques and standards.