High School Career Training

Beginning in 2015, all high school seniors will take the ACT WorkKeys application test, an assessment system that helps employers select, hire, develop and retain a high-performance workforce.  Successful completion results in Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze-level credentials, and can lead to earning ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate.  Other credentialing programs include MOS, OSHA 10, ASE, NCCER, CPR and ServSafe.

Examples of technical training programs are Precision Machining Technology, Welding Technology, Drafting Design Technology, Electronics Technology and Automotive Technology.  Funding was approved in 2014 for new programs in Additive Manufacturing (3-D Printing) and Mechatronics/Industrial Equipment Maintenance.  Students consistently perform well in Skills USA and BEST Robotics competitions.

All programs are industry certified by the Alabama Department of Education and private certifying agencies. Articulation agreements with Gadsden State Community College provide college credit toward a degree.

Classroom and shop/lab instruction at the Etowah County Career Technical Center includes:

Precision Machining Technology

Course content is based on the national skills standards of the National Tooling and Machining Association and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

  • safety
  • blueprint reading
  • bench work
  • lathe work
  • mill work
  • grinding
  • drill press
  • CNC programming
  • precision measuring tools and gauges

Welding Technology

  • safety
  • shielded metal arc welding
  • gas metal arc welding
  • flux core arc welding
  • tungsten arc welding
  • oxy-fuel cutting
  • plasma arc cutting
  • air carbon cutting
  • blueprint reading
  • weld symbols
  • welding inspection and testing

Drafting Design Technology

  • safety
  • geometric construction
  • sketching
  • dimensioning
  • orthographic projection
  • CAD functions and techniques
  • CAD software applications
  • sectioning
  • auxiliary views
  • threads and fasteners
  • pictorals

Electronics Technology

  • safety
  • DC circuitry
  • AC circuitry
  • semiconductor technology
  • analog circuits
  • digital electronics
  • AM/FM transmitters
  • microprocessors

Automotive Technology

  • safety
  • diagnosis of malfunctions
  • parts inspection and repair
  • engine overhaul
  • electronic and fuel systems
  • steering
  • suspension
  • front-end alignment
  • brakes
  • drive train
  • transmissions
  • heating/air-conditioning
  • computer controlled systems

For more details, click http://ctc.ecboe.org or contact Mark Stancil, Principal and Director, 256-538-3312, mark_stancil@ecboe.org.