Professional Skills Academy

Architectural Drawing and Design

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Technical Drawing and Design

Grades 10-12

Elective

1 Credit

This course provides students the opportunity to learn more about the principles of architecture and related design practices and techniques. It provides information that will be beneficial to future architects, interior designers, homebuilders and any homeowner. Students will explore careers in architecture by creating a set of building plans for residential and/or commercial buildings. They will also plan, design, and construct a scale model of a residential or commercial structure and prepare a 3D computer-animated walk-through of a building. AutoCAD Architecture and Autodesk Revit Architecture software will be used to provide the student with the latest in computer-aided design (CAD) technology. The student will learn how CAD applications are used in industry.

Carpentry I

Course Code:

Recommended: Materials and Processes Technology

Grades 9-12

Elective

1 Credit

This course is foundational for achieving high-level construction industry skills that can result in an exciting and lucrative career. With an emphasis on safety, students are taught to use hand and power tools, cut stock, apply construction mathematics, interpret blueprints, and understand basic rigging. Students will become proficient in identifying types of residential construction components to frame walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, doors, and windows. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential. 

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Carpentry I: 

• Carpentry II

Carpentry II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Carpentry I, OSHA 10

Grades 10-12

Elective

2 Credits

This course leads to a successful transition into postsecondary education for careers in carpentry and related fields such as construction management, architecture, and others. Students are taught the safe use of hand and power tools common to the industry to complement their OSHA 10 safety credentials earned in Carpentry I. Students will become proficient in assembling and installing various types of residential construction components that are current with industry standards, including rigging and job-estimating procedures, forming foundations, framing floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, trusses, roofing materials, stairs, exterior doors, and windows, decks, and porches. Successfully passing this course leads to CTE program completion.

Electricity I

Course Code:

Prerequisite: None

Grades 10-12

Elective

1 Credit

Students develop fundamental electrical skills to help them prepare for a career in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Students will engage in hands-on activities in a lab setting. They will be introduced to residential wiring of houses and apartments; commercial wiring of retailers, schools, businesses, and hospitals; and industrial wiring of factories. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential.

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Electricity I: 

• Electricity II

Electricity II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Electricity I

Grades 11-12

Elective

2 Credits

Students will continue to develop skills in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students will also study electrical theory and mathematical problems related to electricity; apply requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC); select and install conductors; examine lighting, communication, and power systems; and work with conduits and raceways, panelboards, switchboards, grounding systems, and generators. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Note:  This course may be a Youth Registered Apprenticeship and may count as progress toward a Registered Apprenticeship.

Industrial Maintenance I

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into Trades Academy

Grades 12; DE

Elective

2 Credits

In this course, students are taught safety and precision measurement skills and gain hands-on, practical experience in welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, electricity, mechanical fundamentals, machine alignment, technical drawings, and quality control. Industrial maintenance technicians repair and maintain commercial or industrial equipment in buildings. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential. This course is held off-site at Laurel Ridge Community College.

This course may be dual-enrolled with Laurel Ridge Community College.

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Industrial Maintenance I: 

• Industrial Maintenance II

Industrial Maintenance II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Acceptance into Trades Academy

Grades 12; DE

Elective

2 Credits

In this course, students are taught safety and precision measurement skills and gain hands-on, practical experience in welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, electricity, mechanical fundamentals, machine alignment, technical drawings, and quality control. Industrial maintenance technicians repair and maintain commercial or industrial equipment in buildings. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential. This course is held off-site at Laurel Ridge Community College.

This course may be dual-enrolled with Laurel Ridge Community College.

Materials and Processes Technology

Course Code:

Prerequisite: None

Grades 9-12

Elective

1 Credit

In this introductory course, students focus on industrial/technical materials and processes as they fabricate usable products and conduct experiments. Learning experiences include career analysis as well as the use of tools and equipment related to the analysis, testing, and processing of metals, plastics, woods, ceramics, and composite materials.  This single-period laboratory course is recommended for students interested in technical careers and others wishing to improve their consumer knowledge and technological literacy.  This course is also offered at the middle school. 

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Materials and Processes Technology: 

• Technical Drawing and Design

Technical Drawing and Design

Course Code:

Prerequisite: None

Recommended: Materials & Processes

Grades 9-12

Elective

1 Credit

This course provides the student with an introductory background to one of the basic communication techniques used by almost every industry. Students study and apply basic drafting skills and gain a background in fundamental drafting principles. Students will plan, design, and construct a prototype model of a new invention or innovation. Autodesk Design Academy software will be used to provide the student with the latest in computer-aided design (CAD) technology. The student will learn how CAD applications are used in industry. It is recommended as a course for future architectural design, construction, and manufacturing students.

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Technical Drawing and Design: 

• Architectural Drawing and Design

Welding I

Course Code:

Recommended: Materials and Processes Technology

Grades 9-12

Elective

1 Credit

This course is a hands-on, skill-building class designed to introduce the student to the basics of manufacturing. Students learn to safely and accurately use various machine tools, jigs, fixtures, and precision measuring tools. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop entry-level skills in machining, welding, and fabricating using a variety of processes. Students work individually and in groups to complete activities and projects. Students gain hands-on experiences enabling them to develop employability skills and make informed career choices in manufacturing and related technical fields. All students will obtain the required Construction Industry OSHA 10 safety credential.

The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Welding I: 

• Welding II

Welding II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Welding I, OSHA 10

Grades 10-12

Elective

2 Credits

This course teaches advanced welding students to fine-tune their craft and to perform V-groove welds in all positions, using multiple welding processes. Students prepare to pass relevant industry certifications. Welding is required by a wide variety of industries, anywhere fusible materials and high heat are needed to manufacture, repair, or alter products. Professional welders are in high demand and can earn accordingly.