Students earn 4 Units for each year of study in one Career & Tech area.
Auto Body Collision and Auto Body Refinishing Technology
Instruction in repairing, refurbishing and painting damaged vehicles. Hands-on experience prepares the students for an entry-level position in the auto body field. The two main areas of emphasis are refinishing and collision repair.
A two-year program which offers instruction and practical experience in the skills necessary to work in a salon. Since 1,000 instructional hours are required to take the licensure examination, students must attend a summer session after senior year. Successful completion of the program qualifies students to take the New York State Cosmetology Licensure Examination.
A two year program focusing on civil and criminal law, emergency tactics, patrol function, crime prevention and detection equipment, fingerprinting, investigation methods, client contract and business management. They learn about police, court and prison systems, operation of security and protection programs and security procedures in public, commercial and residential settings.
A program certified by the National Restaurant Association and the American Culinary Federation and features the ProStart and ACF ACCESS curricula. Students learn about nutrition, food preparation and dining room operation and can earn the nationally recognized ServSafe Sanitation certification.
For students interested in web design, multimedia communications, graphic design and other related areas. During the two-year program students develop professional level skills in Adobe software applications. They learn to apply design processes and design theory in order to improve the quality and consistency of their work. In addition to digital output, the classroom lab provides specialty printing experiences including wide format poster and banner printing, dye sublimation printing on metal, ceramics and textile as well as t-shirt transfer printing, Students demonstrate their technical abilities through the Adobe Certified Expert program. In a two-year period, it is possible for students to earn up to five industry recognized certifications.
Students learn the basics and methodology of child development and early childhood education, while gaining a solid foundation in classroom arrangement, classroom management and curriculum development for infants/toddlers/preschoolers and young children. Students will also learn how to communicate and work with parents/guardians and staff. Through on-site work-based learning in a daycare center, students also gain formal childcare houses required to apply for Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
Students learn fundamental skills in electrical theory, and through classroom instruction and hands-on shop lessons, they can become successful residential wiring professionals. In each theory class and lab, students construct the circuits and discuss, gaining skills and experience as they move from residential into commercial and industrial wiring. The materials, meters and methods used in Electrical Trades give students an in-depth understanding of their field and the knowledge needed to work with the latest environmentally friendly technologies.
Game Design and Implementation
This is a two-year program for students interested in the creative worlds of video game design, 3-D modeling, and computer programming. Students learn the history of games from ancient times to present. They create board games, card games and dice games while learning the fundamentals of Game Design. Students create digital games using Game Maker software, GameSalad, and Unity. Students will explore various art concepts during the first year and 3-D modeling during the second year. Finally, students will design their own video games in groups, as well as create a virtual video game design company.
Students learn about garment theory, textiles, fashion and apparel manufacturing, sales and promotion, and college and career opportunities. First-year students focus on merchandising; second-year students learn about marketing and master National Retail Federation customer service standards. The course features specialized software, hands-on projects, lectures and guest speakers, videos, field trips, job shadowing and internships, and community service. Through a year-long entrepreneurship project, students design a product, conduct market research and then produce and sell their creations. They create a professional portfolio to showcase their best work.
HVAC/R-Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
HVAC instructs students in the installation and repair of residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Students are prepared for certification by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and they develop the mechanical skills and theoretical background necessary to enter the workforce or college.
Students focus on skilled manufacturing, machining and advanced manufacturing, and learn how products are taken from concept to consumer using the latest technology to compete in a global marketplace. They learn computer-aided design (CAD), engineering drawing and sketching and a number of computer programs used in today’s highly technical manufacturing operations.
Students work on late-model trucks and diesel engines, learning about electrical and electronic theory, computerized control systems, steering, suspension, chassis and braking systems. They also learn about alternative fuels including biodiesel, and about hybrid vehicle technology. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-style testing during the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair program prepares students to pursue certification after graduation. Upon completion, they may seek employment as entry-level technicians or advance their education and training. Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair at Career & Tech is the only high school-level program in the state to earn certification by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation/Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF/ASE).
Network cabling technicians install the networks, wires and cables that connect computers, telephones and energy management systems. This program utilizes C-Tech, an international workforce development company specializing in curriculum development, to provide industry recognized certificates. Students use these certificates to begin careers in telecommunication audio/visual and telephone industries, or have a head start on careers as they pursue further education.
Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide/Patient Care Associate/CNA
Students in year one earn certification as Home Health Aide(HHA) and Personal Care Aide (PCA) and in year two, certification as a Nurse Assistant (NA). Students also earn American Heart Association BLS/CPR and First Aid certifications and gain valuable hands-on experience in healthcare and direct support facilities.
Sterile processing technicians decontaminate, inspect, package and sterilize equipment and devices used in the healthcare environment. These items range from complex devices to simple, hand-held surgical instruments. Sterile Processing Technicians serve a vital role in the healthcare industry, combating the spread of hospital-borne illnesses, as well as diseases. Sterile Processing Technicians find employment in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, medical laboratories, birth centers and other facilities where sterilized equipment is needed.
Students learn the skills and techniques necessary for success in a career that values well-trained, experienced workers. They learn shielded metal arc welding (stick); MIG, flux-cored and TIG welding; and automated Orbital TIG welding. They also learn about the operation of welding and metal fabrication machinery, blueprint reading, clean room environments and shop theory. Students may earn college credits and take multiple American Welding Society welder certification tests free of charge.
Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation
This two-year program is based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. Students will learn how to operate and maintain large, construction-related equipment. Types of equipment may include backhoes, dozers, front end loaders, and excavators. Students will also learn how to diagnose and repair common issues with diesel engines and heavy machines. The program enjoys specialized training at corporate sites, as well as instructional opportunities at our education centers, field trip experiences, internships and job shadowing opportunities. In addition, students will have the opportunity to practice essential skills on our state-of-the-art simulators to further enhance the learning experience. Students also learn about drone usage on job sites and in various careers. Students who pass the written exams and performance tests gain a portable skill set and may earn professional certifications (including OSHA 10), which are recognized by contractors and employers across the country.
The Plumbing Technology course is a comprehensive, hands-on one-year program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry. Students learn essential skills, including safety protocols, plumbing math, and blueprint reading, while working with various piping materials such as plastic and copper. The course covers key plumbing systems such as drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, water distribution and the installation of fixtures like sinks, faucets and toilets. Students will also explore environmentally sustainable practices, including the use of PEX piping, grey water recycling systems and solar water heaters. The curriculum emphasizes professionalism, plumbing codes and career readiness, culminating in a capstone project where students design, install and troubleshoot a small-scale plumbing system.