New Castle High School excels at offering academic experiences to its students. Whether it be the astounding AP classes or the incredible IVY Tech courses, it is not surprising that NCHS has a bountiful cornucopia of collegiate courses. These prestigious courses, however, only offer higher education about the pre-established STEM curriculum. What if a student wanted to learn a skill that is oftentimes only offered in college? Will they be forced to make ends meet financially just so they may partake in college courses that similarly align with their interest? Luckily for these students, NCHS is also home to the Career Center: an educational facility that assists students in finding their specific interests and career path. The Career Center offers courses such as nursing, firefighting, welding, engineering, dentistry, and many more.The Career Center is an amazing opportunity for students who have a good idea of what they want pursue as a career. To further prove how amazing the Career Center is, a handful of students who take different courses within the facility have agreed to share their experiences here on the New Castle Phoenix.
Junior Teagan Cable is currently participating in the certified nursing assistant course within the health occupation program in the Career Center. He states, “Health [Occupation] offers many opportunities. Like, for me, you can become a CNA; certified nursing assistant.” Cable notes how the curriculum is incredibly kinesthetic. “They also offer work based learning where you go to the hospital in different parts and you just work there for like a week to get an idea of what kind of health career you’re into.” He goes on to discuss how his class is a welcome environment and how he has adapted nicely. Cable recommends the health occupation program to students who aspire to help others and grow to become better people.
Another student who offered his viewpoint is Junior Kaden Scott. Scott is partaking in the Engineering program at the Career Center. He talks about how he and his peers work together in order to solve infrastructural dilemmas using tools and computer-operated programs; “…we use all sorts of different hand tools, powered tools, all sorts of different things … we work on the computers in our computer area”. Using these programs, he and his peers are able to articulate 3D and 2D volumes in any way they desire. Scott states that he joined the engineering program because it was “technical” and that he enjoyed the use of mathematics in his work. He recommends the program to students who enjoy kinesthetic material involving math and creativity.
Our final interviewee is Junior Warren Wilkinson. Wilkinson chose to take part in the fire and rescue program within the Career Center. The fire and rescue program educates students on how to properly act in a hazardous situation. With an incredibly hands-on curriculum, Wilkinson has amassed a couple of certifications from his time in the fire and rescue program, “ I currently have my hazardous material ops and awareness certifications … I got my [Firefighter 1] certification” With these certifications, Wilkinson and his peers are able to pursue more work-based learning as well as rigorous exercises. A lot of time of the program is spent in the classroom where they learn how to “save lives as well as property” but Wilkinson also states that they spend time on the “training grounds” quite often. Wilkinson states that, while difficult, the fire and rescue curriculum is perfect for hard-working students who are willing to step forward and do anything to save a life.
The Career Center offers way courses more than the aforementioned three, however. Criminal Justice is another popular course that offers students a first person look at law enforcement, homeland security, and the Justice system. Students who partake in the Criminal Justice track can expect to be set on a path to study the nature of law and procedural aspects of the justice system.
Another popular choice is Graphic Design. The Graphic Design program offers student an innovative way for them to practice all kinds of artistic media. Whether a student wants to improve their artistic ability, or simply create designs for companies, the Graphic Design course offers an opportunity for everyone.
There are many more programs that the Career Center offers, but it is up to the student to find what suits them best. The application window for the Career Center is currently over, however, the hope is that those who read this article feel the need to do proper research so that they will be ready apply the moment applications open. The New Castle Career Center is always ready for new, hard-working students, so do not be afraid to apply when the time comes!
