Clusters and Pathways – VCSC Career and Technical Education

Introductory & Exploratory Classes

admin — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 22:59:43 +0000

Introductory and Exploratory courses are designed to help introduce various career pathways. These courses typically do not have any dual college credit or industry credentials. They are designed for freshman or sophomore students that do not know what career pathway they want to pursue. These courses are also good for seniors that have space in their schedule and want to learn about something different.

Automotive Services

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:25:16 +0000

Students in the Automotive Services pathway gain an overview of the operating and general maintenance systems of the modern automobile. Students will study the fundamentals of electricity and automotive electronics in various automotive systems, including the theory, service and repair of automotive braking systems. Students study engine performance, including concepts in the diagnosis and repair of ignition, fuel, emission and related computer networks. In the capstone, students study important skills and competencies within the Automotive Service Technology Pathway. Topics include Steering & Suspension, Engine Repair, Climate Control, and Driveline Service.

Automotive Collision Repair

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:20:27 +0000

Students in the Automotive Collision Repair pathway gain an overview of the operating and general maintenance systems of the modern automobile. Students gain an understanding of the materials, measuring, welding, and information resources applicable to collision repair. Students learn the types of fiberglass and plastic materials used in auto body repair and considerations for automotive painting. The capstone further explores important skills and competencies within the Automotive Body Technology Pathway. Topics such as Automotive Painting Technology, Collision Damage Appraising, and Fiberglass Plastic Repair.

Electronics and Computer Technology

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:16:26 +0000

Students in the Electronics and Computer Technology pathway become familiar with the engineering design process. Practical techniques for proper and safe use of basic hand and machine tools are introduced. Techniques for connecting various types of circuits are also covered. The process of fabricating printed circuit boards is presented. Students learn applied digital logic that encompasses the design and application of electronic circuits and devices found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. The capstone provides the opportunity for students to continue with foundational electronic concepts including circuit analysis and digital electronics modules. This course incorporates classroom, laboratory, and work-based experiences in the fundamental electronics concepts of circuit analysis and digital electronics as well as optional modules focused on industrial technology, emerging electronic technologies, residential and commercial electronic communication, and automation.

Computer Science

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:12:05 +0000

Students in the Computer Science pathway explore how computers can be used in a wide variety of settings. Students investigate emerging disciplines within the field of computer science in the areas of data science, artificial intelligence, app/game development, and security. Students explore the fundamental concepts of procedural programming. In the capstone, students gain a working understanding of the fundamentals of procedural and object-oriented program development using structured, modular concepts and modern object-oriented programming languages. Reviews control structures, functions, data types, variables, arrays, and data file access methods. The course is a second level computer science course introducing object oriented computer programming, using a language such as Java or C++. Object-oriented concepts studied include classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, operator overloading, exception handling, recursion, abstract data types, streams and file I/O. Students will explore programming concepts such as software reuse, data abstraction and event-driven programming.

Design Technology

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:07:46 +0000

Students in the Design Technology pathway become familiar with the engineering design process. Students gain a basic understanding of creating working drawings related to manufacturing detailing and assembly as well as a survey of Architectural design focused on the creative design of buildings. Students have a choice for concentrator B courses (Manufacturing Principles and Design or BIM Architecture) and a choice of capstone courses (Architectural Design or Mechanical Design).

Engineering

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:04:15 +0000

Students in the Engineering pathway become familiar with the engineering design process. Students focus on the process of applying engineering, technological, scientific and mathematical principles in the design, production, and operation of products, structures, and systems. Students can choose from three Concentrator B courses: Civil Engineering and Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. In the capstone, students work in teams to research, design, test, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. The product 66 development life cycle and a design process are used to guide the team to reach a solution to the problem. The team and/or individual(s)communicates their solution to a panel of stakeholders at the conclusion of the course.

Software Development

Bill Riley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:58:03 +0000

Students in the Software Development pathway explore how computers can be used in a wide variety of settings. Students gain a basic understanding of the essential Web and Database skills and business practices that directly relate to Internet technologies used in Web site and Database design and development. Students explore concepts and practices of programming languages and software development. Students are introduced to algorithms and development tools used to document/implement computer logic. In the capstone, students get a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts involved when using an object oriented programming language. The emphasis is on logical program design using a modular approach involving task-oriented program functions. Object-oriented concepts such as methods, attributes, inheritance, exception handling, and polymorphism are utilized. Applications are developed using these concepts and include developing a graphical user interface, selecting forms and controls, assigning properties and writing code. Students will also build upon their web design experiences in previous courses by taking an in-depth look into client- and server-side scripting aspects including Java Script and PHP: hypertext preprocessor along with other scripting tools.

Information Technology Operations

Bill Riley — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 20:35:49 +0000

Students in the Information Technology Operations pathway explore how computers can be used in a wide variety of settings. Students will have the knowledge required to assemble components based on customer requirements, install, configure and maintain devices/software for end users, understand the basics of networking and security, properly and safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues while applying troubleshooting skills. Advanced Information Technology will provide students with the fundamental concepts in networking and cybersecurity. In the capstone, students will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to provide tier 1 technical support services.

Human Services

Bill Riley — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 20:31:16 +0000

Students in the Human Services pathway explore the history of human services, career opportunities, and the role of the human service worker. They focus on cultural variations in attitudes, values, language, gestures, and customs, and examine the key elements of healthy relationships. In the capstone, students examine the helping process in terms of skills, helping stages, and issues involved in a helping relationship. This course also introduces and develops basic interviewing skills. Includes assessment strategies and treatment planning. This course provides basic information about the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.