February is Career & Technical Education Month

Raising awareness of careers in the skilled trades in the Dickinson County area of Michigan

Each February, we celebrate Career & Technical (CTE) Month by raising awareness of skilled trades career educational paths available for area students in automotive technologies, computer networking, construction trades, educational careers, graphic communication, health occupations, marketing & entrepreneurship, mechatronics, and welding available through the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center and Bay College Iron Mountain Campus.

One of the great things about Career & Technical Education is it allows students to experience the requirements of each profession so they can make an informed decision on what they like and, just as importantly, what they do not like.

The Dickinson area is fortunate to be home to the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center and Bay College Iron Mountain Campus. These educational institutions offer high school students the benefits of CTE:

• Hands-on learning

• Training for in-demand occupations

• Smaller up-front educational investments

• Quicker path to financially rewarding employment

Automotive Technologies

Hands-on experience is a significant component of Career & Technical Education.

The Automotive Technology program offered to high school students through the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center provides a general understanding and knowledge of:

• Engine repair

• Engine performance

• Suspension and steering

• Electrical systems

• Automatic transmission and transaxle

• Manual drive transmission

• Heating and air conditioning

• Brakes

  
  

Students also learn shop and personal safety, tools and equipment, preparing vehicles for service, and workplace employability skills. The program follows the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation's Maintenance and Light Repair standards.

Computer Programming and Computer Networking & Security

From game programming to cybersecurity and networking, demand for careers in computer networking and programming will continue to grow.

The DIISD Tech Center offers both Computer Programming and Computer Networking & Security programs.

Computer Programming gives students hands-on experience coding with C++ and C# formats, the two most popular programming languages in the game programming industry. This course prepares students for acquiring certifications such as CLA: C Programming Language Certified Associate, CPA: C++ Certified Associate Programmer, and CPP: C++ Certified Professional Programmer.

Computer Networking & Security I introduce students to computer concepts such as personal computer hardware and software, Internet, security, networks and ethics, computer technology for professional and personal use, and configuring a standalone or networked computer for reliability and security.

Computer Networking & Security II is a vendor-neutral certification where students learn to describe the features and functions of networking components as well as installing, configuring, and troubleshooting basic networking hardware, protocols, and services.

These information technology programs qualify for the DIISD Technical Early College program, and students can earn Bay College Credits in the networking & security program and in programming.

Construction Trades

Construction trades careers are in high demand, from rough and finished carpentry to basic plumbing and electrical installation.

Career & Technical Education programs, such as the construction trades program at the DIISD Tech Center, prepare the future workforce with hands-on experiences in all facets of the construction industry.

Students learn general construction safety, building codes and laws, how to read architectural drawings, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, roofing, and siding.

Upon completion, students are ready for:

• entry-level employment in the construction field

• a trade school apprentice program

• post-secondary construction programs

Educational Careers

The Educational Careers program offered through the DIISD Tech Center offers Bay College Credits and teaches all aspects of American education:

• processes and choices

• challenges and opportunities

• educational thought and history

• organization, control, supervision, and financing

• Educational Psychology

Students work with a mentor teacher in early childhood, elementary, and/or middle school to get hands-on experience and to apply what they have learned in the classroom.

Graphic Communication

Applying artistic talent to technology opens doors to many modern career opportunities in our digital-first world.

The Graphic Communication program at the DIISD Tech Center gives students hands-on experience designing advertisements, logos, brochures, and more. They also learn to edit photographs to be used as standalone images or incorporated into designs.

In addition to hands-on learning, students gain experience working on projects with area businesses and organizations. Bay College Credits are available to students completing these programs.

Health Occupations

Hands-on experience in healthcare settings through Career & Technical Education, work-based learning, and clinical experiences provides students with real-world experience on what it is like working in the healthcare industry.

Students in the Health Occupations program through the DIISD Tech Center can earn Bay College Credits. They can also take advantage of dual enrollment with Bay or the Dickinson-Iron Technical Early College program in Certified Medical Assistant.

The health occupation blocks teach students:

• Medical ethics

• Safety

• Asepsis Body structure and function

• Assessment

• Vital Signs

• Communication

• Emergency procedures, including CPR certification

• Transporting/transferring/ambulating, positioning

• Nutrition

• Hygiene/personal care/comfort

• Basic medical terminology

• Medical math
  

The program sets students up for entry-level employment in healthcare and college programs.

Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Marketing & entrepreneurship may not seem like a Career & Technical Education area of study at first glance. However, the program offered through the DIISD Tech Center prepares students with an emphasis on employability skills and workplace communication for students interested in marketing and advertising.

Students learn the fundamentals and 5 Ps of marketing - product, promotion, pricing, placement, and people - and apply what they learn at the Tech Center school store, The Market Place.

Budding entrepreneurs will learn how products are developed, branded, and sold to businesses and consumers, and how technology impacts the marketplace. Giving a solid foundation for starting a business. Students may earn credits from Baker College.

Mechatronics

Today, there is a huge demand for individuals specializing in mechatronics – connecting mechanical design to electronic control.

The Mechatronics Program at the DIISD Tech Center is available for students interested in electrical and mechanical systems, offering the opportunity to earn Bay College Credits and eligibility for the Dickinson-Iron Technical Early College program.

State-of-the-art trainers instruct students on:

• Wiring electrical panels

• Aligning mechanical systems with motors, shafts, belts, chains, and gears

• Setting up and operating pneumatic and hydraulic systems

• Wiring and conduit for power distribution

• Programming programmable logic controllers and FANUC Robots

• Designing and cutting on computerized CNC machines

• Blueprint reading
  

In addition to hands-on training, students have the opportunity to visit local industries to see this career path in action.

Welding

Welding is an in-demand skilled trade career path by the major employers in the Dickinson area. Area high schools’ students access the skills needed through the DIISD Tech Center.

Welding Technologies is one of the Career & Technical Education courses through the Tech Center, eligible for the Dickinson-Iron Technical Early College program with Bay College West. Students can earn Bay College Credits while in high school.

The program prepares students for entry-level jobs or community or technical college participation. The self-paced instructional format allows students to progress at their own speed while learning:

• Safety

• Cutting

• Bending steel

• Shielded metal ARC welding

• Gas metal ARC welding (wire feed)

• Gas tungsten ARC welding (TIG)

• Oxyacetylene torch cutting

• Project layout and construction

• Daily maintenance of shop and equipment

• Employability skills

To learn more about CTE and the efforts on the state and national level, visit Advance CTE’s website.

For more information about our local efforts to shift perceptions around skilled trades, visit our SHIFT page.