WEST SOUND TECHNICAL SKILLS  CENTER

The West Sound Technical Skills Center, commonly referred to as The Skills Center, provides job skills training to high school students age 16 and above.  Classes are three periods in length and feature hands-on training.  Students select either Session I from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM or Session II from 11:10 AM to 1:40 PM.  The remaining periods are to complete your high school graduation requirements at your sending school.  Bus transportation is provided.  All this valuable training is free to students under age 21 while their working toward a high school diploma.  Graduate from high school with your diploma and be ready to go to work in jobs paying more than minimum wage and/or advanced placement at a community college. 

 

AUTO TECHNOLOGY

Skilled automotive service technicians will always be in demand.  You'll gain a solid background in basic automotive technology in fuel, exhaust, and cooling systems, brakes, suspension, steering and ignition and charging systems.  You will also learn about:  4-Cycle engine operation, shop safety, valve trains and tune-ups, tires/wheels and alignment, wheel bearings, industry expectations and dealership operations. * Optional 2-year program.

 

COLLISION REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

Skilled collision repair technicians will always be in demand.  This program provides a hands-on approach to learning about basic uni-body frame repair, parts replacement, sanding, stripping, masking painted surfaces, spraying automotive and other finishes, glass replacement and auto detailing.

 

CONSTRUCTION TRADES

The construction trades program works with today's technology in a real work setting completing projects in the community.  Students learn: estimating materials, blueprint reading/building codes, flooring and ceiling construction, walls/partitions, roof construction, exterior coverings/trims, and stair construction.  Students who successfully complete this class are eligible for placement in the Carpenter's Apprenticeship program, advance placement at Olympic College or Seattle Central Community College.

 

COSMETOLOGY  ( Tech Prep Credit Available)

Are you interested in becoming a cosmetologist, esthetician, barber or manicurist? This program offers training , which will apply toward certification in all these areas. As a cosmetologist you will learn all facets of nail and hair care (1800 hours required for certification) As a barber you will  concentrate on clipper cuts, mustache and beard trims, and current trends in men's styling (1000 hours required for certification.) As  an esthetician you will specialize in skin care and treatment (500 hours required for certification.) And as a manicurist you will specialize in nail grooming and maintenance (500 hours required for certification.) Students receive classroom instruction and training on mannequins and patrons using state-of the are equipment. Earn 27 college credits with successful completion of 540 hours. 

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ASSISTANT     ( Tech Prep Credit Available)

Students learn to understand infants, toddlers and preschoolers as individuals and group members at a specific development stages. An understanding of child development of children (birth through 6 years) will be acquired. This knowledge will be applied to caring infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, in the on-site licensed day care. Nutrition , safety, disciple, creativity, play, and environment will be observed and studied. The characteristics of the developing child and the laws that cover childcare will be clarified. Much of the course will be "hands-on experience." Students who finish this course will be prepared for the day care field as Early Childhood Assistants in day care sites, pre-schools, and home day cares. Those planning a career in elementary education will also benefit. 

 

COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Computer Engineering Technology is designed for the students who are interested in learning how to crate engineering drawings and three dimensional computer models using the latest computer technology. This program is designed to give students individualized training in the industry standard Mechanical and Architectural drafting. Students will learn CADD (Computer Aided Drafting & Design) operations on high-level, industry standard CADD Programs (for example AutoCad 200, Rhinoceros 3d Nurbs Modeling, and 3D Studio VIZ and MAX). Students will work on a wide variety of  projects that include 2D and 3D drafting, orthographic projections, isometric drawings, the creation of three-dimensional objects, and 3-dimensional walkthroughs of building. A unique addition to the program is the use of 3D models created by the students to create 3D animations. Career opportunities include, any of the Mechanical or Architectural Drafting, Design and Engineering Fields, Interior Designers, Animator, or Video Game Designer.

 

FOOD SERVICE/CULINARY ARTS

Food Service/Culinary Arts students develop marketable skills in all aspects of food production and service using the latest methods and techniques.  You'll learn to prepare foods from hors d'oeuvres to multi-course meals and to cater special events, such as banquets and receptions. *Optional 2-year program. 

 

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY  

Students spend a majority of their time in the forest, either working on projects, studying, visiting work sites or spending time practicing skills or techniques. The program has access to large private forest land, state forests, and a municipal watershed, being transported with equipment and tools by the NRT bus. The training covers areas such as : tree, plant, and animal identification, land surveying, global positioning systems, chemical and benthic stream studies, stream mapping, salmon habit protection, tree planting, thinning, and pruning, maps and mapping, geographic information systems, data analysis and spread sheets, chainsaw operation, felling and bucking techniques, wildfire behavior, fire pump and equipment use and care. Students who are successful in this course often go to work as Washington State park aids, or as fire fighters or forest workers with department of natural resources. Others go on to get a forest or natural resource technical degree from junior colleges or continue on to get a four-year degree in many related fields such as forestry, environmental science or wildlife biology. Any technical, computer, math, or natural sciences classes taken are helpful, but not necessary, in being successful in the program. *Optional 2 year program.

BANKING AND FINANCE ( Tech Prep Credit Available)

What happens to all that money in a bank or credit union? Enroll in Banking and Finance to gain skills you'll need to work in financial institutions or financing planning companies. You will have hands-on experience learning to become  part of a professional business team. Emphasis is placed on the skills and attitudes necessary for success in business and colleges. Students interested in this program should have the ability to keyboard and use a 10-key by touch. Special program features include: cash handling, understanding credit cards and loan application, stock market simulations, business correspondence, telephone etiquette and entrepreneurial activities. This class will provide students with a 6-8 week paid internship plus the exposure to current technology.  

 

PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CAREERS

Take your first step into the field of medical care--the fastest growing areas of career opportunities today.  Students completing all course work and a 50-hour clinical experience will become a State licensed Certified Nursing Assistant--ready for immediate employment.  You will learn:  basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, disease, medical terminology, first aid and CPR, basic knowledge and care of the adult patient. *Optional 2-year program.

LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTER, & SECURITY (Tech Prep Available)

Careers in fire services, law enforcement, security and criminal investigations are numerous. Students will learn the basics of Washington criminal law, jail procedures, civil rights, police ethics, conflict resolution, crime and criminal behavior, crime scene investigation, radio procedures, finger printing and the criminal justice system. Career opportunities include police officer, special agent, detective, deputy sheriff, security guard, fish and game warden, military police, probation/parole officer and community corrections officer. Careers in fire service including Emergency Medical Service will be studied. Opportunities to practice training in medical , hose lays, ladders, fire safety, and fire behavior will exist.

 

TRAVEL AND TOURISM   (Tech Prep Credit Available)

Welcome Aboard!!  World wide career opportunities are plentiful in the travel, tourism, and hospitality fields.  You may find employment at resorts, on cruise ships, in hotels/motels, or at recreational sites.  Learn customer service basics, business etiquette, computer operations, and the many facets of meeting client needs whether it's travel for business/ fun, or conference planning.

 

WELDING

Learn to cut and join metal using gas torch, arc, and wire-feed welding equipment.  Repair broken metal parts on all types of machinery, equipment, boats, and structures.  You can be prepared to meet industry certification requirements as a certified welder upon successful completion of the program.  Skills training includes resume development, leadership training and competition as well as the opportunity to work on real jobs after proper training. *Optional 2-year program. 

SKILLS CENTER ATTENDANCE POLICY - Reward for Good Attendance Skills Center training approximates working conditions in business and industry.  Attendance and punctuality are considered as if you were reporting to work.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.  You are expected to be in  the classroom and at assigned work stations when class begins.  If not, you will be counted as tardy.  Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled before or after school hours.  Students should understand that attendance is a ruler that measures their interest and desire to succeed.  Future employers will be anxious to know about students' dependability.  It is the student's benefit when instructors are able to give potential employers good recommendations relating to attendance.