Program Instructor:
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Madison RussPhone Number: (802) 885-8320Email:
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General Program Description:
This program offers diverse construction-based opportunities to obtain skills in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Welding using an applied approach from the classroom to the lab. Skills such as wiring residential circuits, soldering copper pipes, installing mini-splits/boilers, and various welding applications are developed over a two-year period. The students are taught the safe and proper handling of sophisticated industrial equipment, making career choices or post-secondary school choices numerous. If your interest lies in construction-type trade areas and you would like some choices, this program provides opportunities to learn using hands-on experiences as well as the necessary employability skills needed. Certifications are available through the American Welding Society, NCCER, and OSHA10.
Overall Program Highlights:
Students are able to take the skills they learn and apply them to fabrication assignments and projects, a functioning half bathroom utilizing the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC skills learned while still in the classroom setting.
Industrial Trades - Level I
Credit: 3-4 elective credits
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Basic algebra and geometry skills
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day, 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Level I Highlights
Industrial Trades provide opportunities for students in four different trade areas. All students work with blueprints, learning how to sketch, read, and build from them. We emphasize workplace safety and practical application of skills in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Welding. Welding units include Stick, MIG, TIG, Oxy-Acetylene cutting, Plasma cutting, and fabrication skills. Students will utilize their Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC skills and build a functioning bathroom with electrical wiring circuits, ventilation, lighting, soldered copper piping, PEX piping, heating, and cooling.
If you are interested or are considering a career as an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, general property manager, physical plant manager, or contractor, Industrial Trades is the ideal match for you. The class is limited to 16 students to provide plenty of hands-on lab projects and individual instruction to meet the individual needs of the students. At the end of the two-year program, you will have a step up to start your next step in a career or in pursuing further training in your chosen industry.
Industrial Trades Level II
Credit: 2-3 Elective Credit
Eligibility: Students in grade 12
Prerequisites: Grade of 70 or better in industrial Trades Level I
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day, 11:40 PM to 1:40 PM
Highlights:
After successfully completing Industrial Trades I, students will choose either a co-op job shadow or staying in the lab to further their welding skills. Specific learning will explore the details of their chosen field.
During the second quarter, students will learn the fine art of interviewing, resume writing, cover letters, and job/career searches. During the second semester, students will concentrate on one of the many areas in Industrial Trades. Students are also eligible to enroll in evening electrical and plumbing-related apprenticeship classes, thereby starting their licensing requirements immediately while still in high school, giving them a huge advantage when searching for employment.
Using a hands-on, independent approach to a variety of performance-based projects, they will be prepared for cooperative work placements, apprenticeships, and leadership skills, including participation in local, state, and national SkillsUSA activities. Graduates may continue further educational opportunities to obtain industry certifications (such as plumbing and electrical licenses or HVAC and American Welding Society certifications), including two or four-year college programs or apprenticeship training, or they may seek entry-level positions within the trade areas.
Career Opportunities
- Electrician
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician
- Plumber
- Welding Fabrication
- Maintenance Technician
- Renewable Energy Installation and Design Technician
Embedded Academic Credit: Math
Industry Recognized Credentials
- 10-hr OSHA Certificate
- American Welding Society-SMAW 1G,2G,3G,4G, and 6G
- NCCER Construction Core Curriculum
Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Critical Proficiencies
Program Advisory Members and Organization
- Harold Elliott- Cota & Cota
- Frank Gould- Gould Electric
- Brian Hernon - HB Energy Solutions
- Jeff Mars- Control Technologies
- Burt Riendeau - New England Airgas/American Welding Society
- Jerry Torino - New England Airgas
Student/Parent Quotes:
"This program has taught me to take things one step farther and to accomplish goals."
"After taking this class, I have a totally different perspective on life. I am able to think and do things for myself."
"I feel better and more complete as a person more ready for the world."
"Industrial Trades has changed my plans completely for what I want to do after high school — for the best, I think."
“Four years ago, if someone had said that we would be in this place with our son now, considering colleges; consideration education after high school, I would have said I wasn't sure. We've always known his potential, but had a hard time getting him to believe.. But you've taken his passions and molded them and shaped them, into the substance and foundations on which he will work to build his dreams. No words can adequately give the thanks that we feel for that; for the doors you've opened and the inspiration and honesty that you've instilled. Thank you!
Pre Tech Foundations/Intro Course Description - Springfield High Only
Introduction To Industrial Trades and Manufacturing/Engineering
½ credit
Instructor: Ms. Russ
This class offers students the opportunity to explore potential careers in Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and HVAC through hands-on learning. In this one-semester course, during the first two weeks, the class learns safety, drawing, and measuring. Students will then learn the safe and proper use of welding and fabrication equipment, residential wiring, and plumbing. These proficiencies will be demonstrated by the completion of individual projects.