S.T.E.M.
S.T.E.M. CAREER PATHWAYS
Below you will find a link for each Career Pathway Plan of Studies for the S.T.E.M. Career Center.
The Plan of Studies can serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as learners continue on a career path. Courses listed within this plan are only recommended coursework and should be individualized to meet each learner’s educational and career goals.
To access the Plan of Study, click on the corresponding image below.
The Carpentry program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures using hand and power tools. The program also includes instruction in areas such as common systems for framing, construction materials, estimating, blueprint reading, and finish carpentry techniques.
Graduates who earn credentials in this program work as general laborers/carpenters at construction sites performing concrete forming and placing, framing, exterior finishing, roofing, interior finishing, trim work, cabinetry, and drywall work.
The Automotive Technology program is designed to provide the skills necessary to perform basic repairs such as replacing light bulbs, drive belts, coolant pumps, wheel bearings, engine sensors, suspension components, filters and spark plugs. It also focuses on performing necessary periodic maintenance, usually scheduled at 10 or 15,000-mile intervals and that involve the various fluids in the vehicle as well as relatively basic components with finite life spans.
Welding is a manual skill that takes many, many years to master. This curriculum provides both hands-on training and a detailed knowledge base in the most prevalent welding and cutting processes used in industry today. Students will also become proficient with metalworking tools used in manufacturing and fabrication, learn to read technical drawings, develop basic hand drafting skills, and train for welding certification tests in structural plate and pressure pipe. The college offers American Welding Society certifications to the students at no cost.
The Power & Energy Systems Technology Career Studies Certificate will be heavily structured and deployed as a hands-on, project-based learning mode of instruction. In this way, in addition to the strong conceptual understanding the students will learn about how and why the energy economy functions, their job ready abilities will be reinforced by applied skill development required to complete hands-on lab assignments and projects. Students will learn some of the following concepts while in the class:
-electrical concepts, such as wiring to PLCs, sensors, motors, and lights
-storage, transmission, and distribution of energy in various ways--electrical, hydro, solar, etc.
-meter readings
-trouble shooting and repair
Possible jobs after completion:
-electrical power-line installer and repairer
-electrician
-solar install and technician
-machinist
-energy plant operator
The electricity program includes the study of electrical control circuit theory and practice, control circuitry for all major household appliances, and most industrial applications. The program includes the theory and operation of all widely-used single- and three-phase motors, with laboratory demonstrations used to emphasize the important characteristics of each type of motor. Single- and three-phase transformer theory and connections are also covered. Throughout the curriculum, special emphasis is placed on electrical codes and procedures used by the practitioner. The program offers industry-recognized certifications embedded in the courses. Successful students will attain NCCER CORE and Electrical Level I certifications. In addition, successful students who have shown a good work ethic and attendance will have the option to participate in an interview with MC Dean after they graduate.
Southside Virginia Community College’s HVACR program is comprised of two career studies certificates. The HVAC Level I and Level II Career Studies Certificates will prepare students for entry-level employment in the HVACR industry as well as upskill current practitioners. With the primary goal of safety, students will gain the knowledge and demonstrate the skills necessary to contribute to the HVACR industry. The program offers industry recognized certifications embedded in the courses. Successful students will attain NCCER CORE and HVAC Level I certifications. In addition, successful students who have shown a good work ethic and attendance will have the option to participate in an interview with TRANE Technologies after they graduate.