David Itzo | Dennis Hooks | Patricia Wilson |
CTE OVERVIEW
The Career Tech Center programs are designed to prepare students for college and career readiness. There are many different course offerings. All the programs have state-of-the-art equipment and are performance based.
Emphasis is on the mastery of knowledge and skills required to complete a task. Most programs have articulation agreements with local colleges, whereby students can earn college course credit for work at the Career Tech Center.
All the instructors are accomplished experts in their respective fields. Most programs offer New York State certification and/or licensing upon successful completion and testing. National certification is also an option in many programs.
The majority of students enrolled at the center are secondary students in grades 11 and 12. Also included are adults in need of retraining or upgrading for employment. Most students attend the Career Tech Center for a half day and their local school the other half of the day.
Students may include career and technical education courses as part of requirements for a Regents diploma or while pursuing high school equivalency preparation.
Component school districts grant students four units of credit for satisfactory completion of each year at the tech center. The CTE programs are in existing and emerging occupations for present and projected employment Career and Technical Education opportunities. Accordingly, the tech center, as an extension of the ten component districts, provides a variety of sequences and courses. The tech center offers courses in fourteen major areas of agriculture, business/marketing, education, home economics, health occupations, trade and industrial areas. Descriptions are given of majors, special programs and optional courses. Twenty-first century skills are emphasized through every course of study.
The grading policy includes one-third theory, one-third lab/production and one-third 21st Century skills.
Career and technical education programs have reviewed curricula and integrated New York state academic learning standards to meet requirements for a high school diploma with a career and technical endorsement. Counselors and principals should review academic programs with students to plan appropriately to meet their vocational and academic graduation requirements.
Programs approved for a career and technical endorsement include integrated academics as follows:
1 credit applied math upon completion of math competency exam;
1 credit applied science upon completion of science Regents requirements;
1 credit English 12 (technical writing) upon completion of ELA competency; and
1/2 credit career and financial management.
Criteria for career and technical endorsement:
Students must pass two years of an approved vocational program with a minimum grade of 65.
Students must successfully complete appropriate work-based experiences.
Students must pass written and performance-based, industry- approved, exit-out exams.
Students must complete a culminating project.
Students must successfully complete all academic requirements to meet the state’s Regent’s diploma learning standards.
The criterion for receiving high school credit in all areas is earning a passing grade of 65 or above. This aligns to the New York state criteria for program completion. Students who enter a vocational program with identified special needs will be provided appropriate support to obtain the skills required for employment. Such students will be provided a suitable work employability profile to identify program success.
The following are the career and technical education programs offered at Herkimer BOCES.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Automotive technology covers areas of design and repair of today’s high tech automobile, along with service and repair procedures. The major emphasis is on maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of automobiles including brakes, front-end suspension and electrical and engine performance. This curriculum is closely related to ASE certification, which is a national certification program required by the auto industry for today’s high standards.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
The building construction program offers training in the basic fundamentals of the construction trades through the design and construction of a modular home constructed on site. The program is comprised of the following four essential areas in the construction field: carpentry, masonry, residential electric and plumbing. Over the course of two years, students will develop basic skills in the following areas: rough framing, finish carpentry, windows, doors, roofing, mortars, block and brick work, tiling, basic wiring and plumbing. These skills will provide students with the option of furthering their education in college or finding entry level employment in the construction field. The program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
CHILD FAMILY SERVICES
Students in this program learn the skills necessary to work with and care for children.
Major course components include:
Human development;
Food and nutrition;
Child psychology and development;
Early childhood education;
Classroom management;
Nursery school/child care administration
Parenting; and
Nursery school aide and day care programs.
Theory and laboratory activities focus on nursery school, which is conducted for preschoolers each year as part of the class. The program has articulation agreements with SUNY Cobleskill, Mohawk Valley Community College and Herkimer County Community College.
CONSERVATION
This program includes instruction and hands-on experience in conservation law; sap production; forestry; sawmill production; aquaponics; fisheries and game management; and operation of related equipment in conservation. Students are frequently outside utilizing the property for field experiences.
COSMETOLOGY
In this program, students are trained in the theory and practical skills necessary to qualify for the New York State Licensing Examinations in Cosmetology. The Cosmetology license requires 1000 hours and includes nail specialty, esthetics [skin care], natural hair styling and waxing. Students work in a clinical setting three days a week during their senior year.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Introduction to criminal justice offers the basics of security procedures and operations. Components include: criminal and procedural law, search and seizure, ABC laws, vehicle and traffic laws, court systems, investigative work, security procedures, corrections work, juvenile justice, probation and law enforcement communications. Criminal justice completers can earn college credit and advanced placement at Herkimer County Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College or Schenectady Community College.
CULINARY/HOSPITALITY
Students in this program learn many aspects of the culinary/hospitality business. The program is nationally certified through the National Restaurant Association. Students begin with core information about food and nutrition, commercial cooking equipment and basic baking and pastry development. Both “back-of-the-house” and “front-of-the-house” situations are practiced as students progress through the curriculum. This program has articulation agreements with Johnson and Wales, Schenectady Community College and Paul Smith College, and numerous credits can be earned through the National Restaurant Association.
HEALTH SCIENCE CAREERS
This course is an appropriate program for students interested in health careers. Students cover the certified nursing assistant program. At the end of the program, the students are eligible to take the state certification exam. An in-depth study of career options is explored through a senior culmination project. In the last 20 weeks, students study modules in phlebotomy and EKG and can become certified in theory through MedCa. They also study medical terminology as preparation for post-secondary studies in health careers.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
The heavy equipment program focuses on the proper operation and general maintenance of equipment including but not limited to skid steer, backhoe, bulldozer, tractor and wagon. Students learn through textbooks, operator manuals, research, hands-on activities and teacher-led discussions. Students are frequently outside operating equipment on the premises. Potential certifications upon completion include OSHA 10, forklift, and NCCER-Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY
The Information Technology Academy is a blended learning environment for those CTE students who seek to train for computer-based career pathways in computer networking. This class is provided through a partnership with Herkimer County Community College. Students who successfully complete this program can earn up to 29 credits toward a college degree. This program utilizes traditional learning environment, online learning and blended learning.
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
This nationally accredited program encompasses aspects of turf, agriculture, and sport equipment repair. Through classroom theory and lab practice, students utilize the latest industry standards and equipment. Students attend dealer update schools and have the opportunity to compete in contests offered at participating colleges. They also have the opportunity to earn a technical endorsement on their high school diploma as well as national certification through the Equipment and Engine Training Council. This program prepares the student to continue their education at college or to enter the workforce as an entry-level technician.
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA ARTS
The visual communications media arts program is a two-year program designed to prepare students for field entry employment or further their college studies. The curriculum develops skill-based learning, where students master skills and techniques relative to this industry. Students will develop a professional portfolio as evidence in development of their creative and artistic talents integrated in areas taught. Study includes: principles of design, digital illustration, digital imaging, branding and identity, print media, photography, video animation, multimedia and web design. Included in the senior year, students participate in an in-house graphic sublimation print business and gain work-based experience. Students will have the option of earning college credits towards a degree in visual communications or other printing and graphic arts majors through pre-arranged articulation agreements including Mohawk Valley Community College, Fulton Montgomery Community College, arts institutes, Herkimer County Community College and College NOW options.
WELDING AND METAL FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
Students in the welding program at Herkimer BOCES learn a variety of weld processes. In the first year, students learn oxy-acetylene welding, brazing and cutting. They also learn stick welding in all positions with all rods. Students in the second year learn TIG, MIG, advance arc welding, blueprint reading and basic fabrication. Students can also obtain an American Welding Society (AWS) and state Department of Transportation (DOT) certification.
CAREER/JOB SHADOWING
It is recommended that all Career Tech Center students complete a minimum of a two-week job shadowing internship in a related career field. Students must meet minimum attendance and career preparation requirements to be eligible
Qualified students are placed in the workplace in a career field related to their interest. Participants can be paid an hourly wage. Related academic instruction is provided through tutors and company sponsored mentors.
TRADE INDUSTRY I
Trade Industry I is a one-year course designed to give students an introductory level of exposure in four major areas:
Landscaping – students will be exposed to safety, general ground maintenance (work around school property and with school maintenance), lawn mowing and trimming.
Welding – students will learn about the welding field via books, videos and virtual computer run MIG welding simulators.
Small engine maintenance – students will learn to maintain small engines by changing oil, cleaning carburetor and other general maintenance tasks.
Carpentry – students will learn tool identification and usage, small project layout and building.
Emphasis will be on safety and soft skills development. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to enter the Trade Industries II program when age appropriate. This program is designed for students who are in ninth grade. Academic instruction is directly related to vocational skills and provides CDOS hours towards graduation credentials.
TRADE INDUSTRY II
Trade Industry II is a one year course designed to give students an exploratory level of exposure in four major areas:
Landscaping – students will review safety, continue on with general ground maintenance (work around school property and with school maintenance), lawn mowing and trimming. Also, they will be building their knowledge by designing landscapes and figuring cost to execute their designs.
Welding – students will learn about the welding field via books, videos and virtual computer run MIG welding simulators. They will expand this year by using the simulators to learn about MIG welding using a variety of materials.
Small engine mechanics – students will learn to maintain small engines by changing oil, cleaning carburetor and other general maintenance tasks. Students will disassemble an engine to learn about the internal workings and calculate the horsepower. Students will then have to reassemble the engine with the goal of running properly.
Carpentry – students will review tool identification, usage and small project layout and building. They will explore larger project design and building, specifically an Adirondack chair.
The emphasis of Trade II will be on safety and pre-CTE skill development. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to enter an endorsed CTE program. This program is designed for students who are on track to receive a local or Regents diploma, are in 10th grade and at least 15 years old.
SERVICE INDUSTRY I
Is a one year course designed to give students hands on experiences in four block units to build upon in Service Industry 2. Each block unit contains class activities and hands on activities. Hours are computed to be added to each student’s CDOS credential. Each one will contain continuous development of safety skills and 21st century skills. This program is designed for students 9-12 grade.
Medical Studies - provides students with studies in MSDS sheets, fire safety, basic first aid, infectious diseases and dealing with emergency situations.
Cooking Preparation - provides safety and sanitation of a kitchen, kitchen tools and equipment, reading and following recipes, measuring and identifying ingredients and proportioning recipes. They will begin to learn how to prepare foods for small groups. They will prepare foods in small groups with intentions of preparing foods independently at the end of the year for preparation for Service Industry 2.
Child Care - provides students with studies in communicating and observing children, identifying needs and skills of children, writing basic lesson plans, presenting children’s books and activities.
Business Studies - provides students with studies in professionalism, job skills and interests, 21st century skills, career clusters and job preparation.
SERVICE INDUSTRY II
Is a one year course that is designed to give students hands on experiences in four block units to build upon from Service Industry 1. Each block unit contains class activities and hands on activities. Hours are computed to be added to each student’s CDOS credential. Each one will contain continuous development of safety skills and 21st century skills. This program is designed for students 9-12 grade and they have completed Service Industry 1. This course will prepare students to enter an endorsed CTE program.
Medical Studies - provides students with studies in handling emergencies, advanced first aid, caring for people in emergencies and health occupations/medical fields of work.
Cooking Preparation - provides safety and sanitation of a kitchen, kitchen tools, altering and creating new recipes, measuring and proportioning recipes for large groups. They will begin to learn how to prepare foods for larger groups and prepare meals independently.
Child Care - provides students with studies in working with infants and toddlers, identifying needs and skills of children and arranging lessons to care for special needs children, writing basic lesson plans and arranging a classroom.
Business Studies - provides students with studies in professionalism, job skills and interests that align with 21st century skills and a job specific career path. There is continuous focus on career clusters, Job preparation and the necessary job portfolio consisting of completing applications, cover letters and resumes.