Career & Technical HS Curriculum

I recently shared how I designed a robust industrial arts high school experience for my youngest son in my post We Chased High-Interest Courses. As a result of that post, I’ve received emails from HS4CC parents asking for help locating industrial art or other career and technicals courses or finding curriculum. I’ve compiled a list of good resources, several of these were used in our homeschool.

For High School Credit

Keep in mind that homeschool parents have the authority in all 50 states to award high school credit for their teen, so start with the notion that you can design a course for high school credit around any topic you want! In our case, we used store-bought curriculum, community college adult education courses, dual enrollment college courses, and many self-designed courses. I awarded high school credit for all of the courses, regardless of whether or not they also received college credit.

Curriculum (online) Power Homeschool/Acellus

Career & Technical Education:

• Business Management
• Electrical Technology I
• Electrical Technology II
• HVAC-R I
• HVAC-R II
• Info Management I
• Info Management II
• Medical Terminology
• Plumbing Technology I
• Plumbing Technology II
• Intro to Accounting
• Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
• Investigating Careers
• College & Career Readiness
• Instructional Standards in Education and Training
• Mastering Microsoft Excel
• Principles of Agriculture
• Agriculture I
• Agriculture II

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Curriculum (books) Christian Light

Career & Technical Education:

1. Accounting
2. Auto Fundamentals <– one of my son’s favorites
3. Auto Upkeep
4. Carpentry
5. Computer Basics
6. Computer Service and Repair
7. Consumer Math
8. Exploring Agriscience
9. Exploring Woodworking
10. Home Economics I
11. Home Economics II
12. Introductory Horticulture
13. Keyboarding
14. Mathematics Plus
15. Modern Residential Wiring
16. Practical Math
17. Print Reading for Construction
18. Recordkeeping
19. Small Engine and Equipment Maintenance <– one of my son’s favorites
20. Small Gas Engines
21. Technical Sketching and Drawing <– one of my son’s favorites

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Industrial Safety Course (fully online) OSHA-30  – the “OSHA-30” is considered the “big” course but can be used at any age. I recommend starting with the smaller OSHA-10 course if your teen doesn’t have work experience, and saving the 30-hour for later when they have work context. (my son did his 10-hour in 10th grade and his 30-hour in 12th grade).  https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/osha-30-hour-general-industry

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For College Credit

On Campus

I can’t recommend your local community or junior college strongly enough. The local 2-year colleges serve this population and will have excellent resources, equipment, tools, and probably certificate or degree programs that lead to employment. At your local college’s website, check for 4 different opportunities:

1. Department of Continuing Education / Adult Education (noncredit, during or after high school)
2. Dual Enrollment (taken during high school)
3. Degree Programs (pursue after high school)
4. Apprenticeship (links paid on the job training with related instruction, usually for no cost)

ON LINE

Penn Foster  – not regionally accredited, but is accredited. This career school is open to homeschool high school graduates, but not for dual enrollment.

Pierpont Community & Technical College (West Virginia) –$25 per credit for dual enrollment! This regionally accredited college offers a lot of career and technical classes online, but since many degrees will require hands-on courses, your teen may not be able to do their entire degree remotely. https://www.pierpont.edu SAMPLE of courses currently offered:

ENRG 1011 – Process Fundamentals

This course is designed to introduce students to process and energy technology, fundamentals related to all process industries, as well as common plant components such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, separators, cooling towers, fans, etc. The course also provides an elementary overview of common process technology systems such as electrical power generation, electrical and natural gas distribution and processing anf typical manufacturing processes. The theory of operation of basic plant components and emission controls is included. This course is open to all Pierpont students who are interested in learning more about technology and exploring career options. 2.000 Credit hours 2.000 Lecture hours Levels: Career-Technical, Community College Level Schedule Types: Lecture, Online ENRG 2040 – Industrial Safety This course covers a foundational overview of best industry practices and guidelines for health, safety, and environmental issues facing the process industry. Students will gain practical knowledge in a variety of topics to help them stay healthy, keep safe and protect the environment to allow them longevity in the process industry. Hazard Recognition is also included in the study of OSHA standards and regulations. RS: Applied Process Technology, Electric Utility Technology, or Petroleum Technology majors 3.000 Credit hours 3.000 Lecture hours Levels: Career-Technical, Community College Level Schedule Types: Lecture, Online ENRG 2051 – Communication & Leadership This course focuses on personal and professional communication and leadership skills. It examines the nature of communication in the world of work. Students will examine and practice individual, group and presentational communication skills necessary to work effectively with peers, supervisors, supervisees, and constituents. Topics addressed will include interpersonal communication, organizational culture, group dynamics, leadership, power and status, meeting facilitation, problem solving, presentation research, organization and delivery and basic project management. RS: Applied Process Technology, Electric Utility Technology, or Petroleum Technology majors 3.000 Credit hours 3.000 Lecture hours Levels: Career-Technical, Community College Level Schedule Types: Lecture, Online