West Sound Technical Skills Center
101 National Avenue North
Bremerton, WA 98312
Telephone: 478-5083 -- FAX 478-5090

PREREQUISITE: 11th & 12th graders only

Attending the Skills Center provides 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to obtain extensive vocational training and marketable skills. Upon completion of a course of study, a certificate of completion is awarded the student. Students also receive a list of their skill competencies, which they will find valuable when applying for a job. Four credits a year or two credits per term are awarded for each year successfully completed.

In order to be eligible, a student must be in attendance at the regular high school one half of each school day, have completed the requirements for his/her grade level, and have developed a plan for completion of the high school graduation requirements.

Interested students may obtain a brochure on one or more of the skill areas from the counseling center. They are encouraged to discuss the program with their counselor.

Since only a limited number of positions in each area are open each year, attendance, grades and sincerity of interest are considered carefully when selecting the offered for at least one year. Some courses are offered for a second year for more advanced training. See the counseling office to apply.

Students attend their sending school for two periods and the Skills Center two periods. AM session 8-10:30 am; PM Session 11:10-1:40 p.m. Students must fill out an application to attend.

Academy of Finance

Academy of Finance is part of the National Academy foundation which was started in New York City's Wall Street. The program is made up with course work in Finance, Accounting, and Economics. The program prepares students for post-secondary education and careers through academic learning and hands-on work experience within an industry-themed curriculum. Students are introduced to the broad career opportunities of the financial services industry, creating new options for the future. Students are selected each year for a field trip to New York City's Financial District.

Academy of Hospitality and Tourism

Welcome Aboard! World-wide career opportunities are plentiful in the travel and tourism fields. You may find employment at resorts, on cruise ships, in hotel/motels, or at recreational sites. Learn customer service basics, business etiquette, computer operations, and the many facets of meeting client needs whether it is for travel, for business, for fun, or for conference planning. Paid internships available following junior year.

Automotive Technology

Skilled automotive service technicians will always be in demand. You'll gain a sold 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. *Optional 2-year program.

Construction Trades

Work in a real world setting completing construction projects in the community. Learn cost estimation, blueprint reading, building code requirement, foundation construction, floor and ceiling construction, exterior coverings and roof construction. Students who successfully complete this class are eligible for placement in the Carpenter's Apprenticeship program, which works closely with Local Trade Unions. Advanced placement credit at Olympic College or Seattle Central Community College is possible.

Cosmetology

Grade Level: 12th grade only
Prerequisite: Aptitude test required

Are you interested in becoming a cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician (cosmetic skin care and treatment) or barber? This Cosmetology 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 hour required for certification). All students receive classroom instruction and training on mannequins and patrons using state-of-the-art equipment. Earn 27 college credits with successful completion of 540 hours.

 Early Childhood Education Assistant

Students learn to understand infants, toddler, and preschoolers as individuals and group members at specific developmental stages. An understanding of child development of children (birth through 6 years) will be acquired. This knowledge will be applied to caring for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the on-site licensed day care. Nutrition, safety, discipline, 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 ìhands-on-experience.î Students who finish this course will be prepared for the daycare field as Early Childhood Assistants in daycare sites, pre-schools and home daycares. Those planning a career in elementary education will also benefit.

Engineering and Design Technology

Computer Engineering

Technology is designed for students who are interested in learning how to create engineering drawings and three dimensional computer models using the latest computer technology. This program is designed to give students individualized training in 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 2000, 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 a building. A unique addition to the program is the use of 3-D models created by the students to create 3D animations. Career opportunities include: Mechanical or Architectural Drafting, Design and Engineering Fields, Interior Designer, Animator, or Video Game Designer.*Fulfills the Technology graduation requirement for NMHS.

Food Service & Culinary Arts

In 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

Natural Resource Technology (NRT) 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 lands, state forest, 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 habitat protections, tree planting, thinning and pruning, maps and mapping, geographic information systems, data analysis and spread sheets, chainsaw operations, 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 assistants in Washington State park aides, or as fire fighters or forest workers with department of natural resources. Others go on to get forest or natural resource technical degrees from junior colleges or continue on to earn 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 this program. *Optional 2 year program

Precision Machining and Manufacturing Technology

Look around. See that shiny spoke wheel on that Harley Davidson or that jet speeding by overhead? These parts exist because of machining. This class will give you the needed skills to operate machining tools used in the manufacturing process. You will develop skills in metalworking specialties and develop a good understanding of how raw materials become the final project. Emphasis is place on the skills and attitudes necessary for success in getting a job right out of high school or going into a college engineering tech program. Internships for qualified students are possible at PSNS and Boeing.

Professional Medical Careers

Take the first step into the health field--one of 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. *Optional 2 year program.

Public Safety Occupations

Careers in law, law enforcement, security and criminal investigations are numberous. 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 rpinting and hte 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 correcitons 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.

Sheet Metal Technology

This program will provide an introduction to the field of Sheet Metal Technology. Sheet Metal Technology is a broad career field that encompasses skills such as fabricatioin, layout and manugacturing, assembling, measuring, and repairing such things as ductwork, metal siding, metal flashings, and kitchen hoods. Working in this field may include: welding, soldering, drawing, riveting and forming metal. We will be learning three types of metal ayouts, the three types are triangluation, parallel line and radial line development.

Welding Technology

You will learn to cut and join metal using oxyacetylene and arc gas torch semiautomatic welding equipment. Repair broken metal parts on all types of machinery, equipment, boats and structures. You may be prepared to meet industry certification requirements as a certified welder upon successful completion of the program. Also, as part of the Tech Prep program, you will receive advanced placement credits at Olympic College.
*Optional 2 year program.