As the year progresses, the time for students to be thinking about their futures is slowly coming to an end. As the trips to the Career Center come ever so closer, with it being in December, a question arises in some minds. What are their options, and how do they get in?
The most important aspect of getting in is student attendance and drive. Grades, while they still are an important factor to accessing what the Career Center has to offer, is really the least of their worries. If they don’t show up, and if they do not have the enthusiasm or motivation to participate or take it seriously, there is a very low chance for them that they actually get in. Research, interest, topical work, and volunteer work are all very good to have before students sign up.
Currently, there is no set deadline, although mid-February is where they expect students to have put their application in. The application is handed out during December, and after Spring Break is when the Career Center starts taking students.
Before students consider the options, Director Mackenzie Jackson suggests that they pick classes related to their skills and goals.
“I think teachers are always impressed by students who do their research, know about the program and are interested,” said Jackson.
An extremely important thing to note is that some Career Center options are not what they seem. Many of them branch out into different Career Options that accommodate the plans that some have set up. Look into what each can do for the future.
There are many options to choose from when going into the Career Center, including Culinary, Welding, Health Science, Veterinary Science, Broadcasting, and many other options. It seems daunting to pick from all of these options, but it isn’t as bad as it seems. A great benefit of the Career Center is that students don’t even have to go into a related job if they don’t wish to, so they can pick up valuable skills while going for something else that is better for them. Research is the key to success.
“If I could go back and have the same opportunity as all the students? I would go into Health Science.” said Jackson.
Broadcasting
This teaches how to run the radio station, 90.7. That is one of many that Broadcasting runs on, and which plays every genre of music. Students get to choose the songs, read off the scripts, and talk to fellow hosts.
Building Trades
Which will be teaching basic framing, rough carpentry, and how to install and build essentials for houses. At the end of the class, students will have built an entire house.
CDL (Commercial Driving License)
Provides the certification to drive trucks and heavy vehicles. It involves a lot of teaching about road safety, traffic laws, and how to drive in general.
Computer Operations
Whether it be assembly, disassembly, coding, or testing; this program has it all. It’s main focus is the components of technology and the functions of computers.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is focused on making people stylish, this teaches how to do makeup, hair, and general body maintenance or design. Students will get very hands-on training, even taking in actual customers to work on.
Criminal Justice
Fighting crime, helping others fight crime, and resolving court cases is the primary function of the Criminal Justice opportunity. It’ll teach how to be a lawyer, a police officer, and other law-based careers.
Culinary Arts
The program is for people who like cooking, cleaning, and making wonderful dishes, and they even get to eat what they make. Much like cosmetology, this will require good social skills, and communication.
Dental Careers
It’ll teach anatomy, physiology, understanding the equipment, and medical ethics. It can lead to a well-paying career, and is very social.
Education Careers
Education Careers is all about working with kids of all ages, working with other teachers, and generally teaching, then this program is encouraged. Students get the opportunity to learn how to teach, work with others, extreme patience, and planning.
EMT & Public Safety
This program is for people who want to save, and it can mix in with other careers as firefighters. Acting quickly and ensuring the well-being of others is the main directive.
The 11th program is Engineering Careers. It’s a hands-on experience, making and designing tools and machine parts. A benefit of the program is that students get to make robots and make a car that they will be able to race against their classmates.
Fire & Rescue
One of the main parts of Fire & Rescue is the EMT skills it teaches. However, it also teaches many technical and physical skills, such as manning a firetruck. It’ll give tests on problem solving, quick-thinking, and moral scenarios.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design will teach design principles, following the process, industry standard software, and various image capture methods. Graphic Design is focused on how your creativity can help others.
Health Science Education
Very much like EMT, it’ll be teaching anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, & medical ethics. Students will also gain experience in nursing, pharmacy, lab, imaging, physical therapy, and other careers.
ICE (Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education)
The main objective is to teach about money, time management, participate in on-the-job training, and give experience in having a job. Very useful if students wish to go straight into a job after graduating.
Machine Trades
Machine trades teaches all about math and utilizing machines. It teaches blueprints; how to use lathes, mills, drill presses, and surface grinders; measure and cut, standard and manual machining, operation and maintenance.
Property and Facility Management
While what it teaches is close to the Building Trades program, and the ICE program, it is its own unique thing. As with the other career-focused trades, this is very helpful for a successful future.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Teaching that every day can be unpredictable, students learn customer service skills; movement and storage, and data-driven industry. This is extremely helpful if students wish to be in the career force.
Veterinary Science
If students want to learn how to clean, groom, learn animal anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology; Then they’re barking up the right tree. This has similar teachings as typical medical careers, but for a different demographic.
Welding
This program can lead anyone interested into a very well-wanted, and well-paying career. They’ll complete internships, participate in student competitions, and work on complex projects and AWS certifications.
