Venango Technology Center

Programs

Allied Health Occupations

This program is designed to prepare the student for a career in the health care field caring for patients in the hospital, nursing home and home care. The first year student gains an understanding of medical terms and how the body works. CPR and First Aid certification are part of the course curriculum. Second year students build on the knowledge obtained in the first year and take a 120 hour course in nursing assisting, which could lead to American Red Cross certification as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA). This 120 hour specialized course includes 60 hours of classroom theory and 60 hours of clinical experience, working at a local nursing home. Nurse Aide course requirements are as follows: 2 Mantoux TB, PPD test done at your physician’s office, criminal clearance check($10.00), uniform ($20.00), and urine drug test ($47.00). Third year students wishing to expand their knowledge can enroll in child care. On the job training via the cooperative education program is available to select seniors who qualify. This is a PA approved program of study.

Auto Body Repair Technology

The student learns to develop MIG welding skills; becoming familiar with hand tools and their uses; collision and plastic repair; refinishing and painting techniques for surface materials; and damage estimating. The auto body student will analyze damage to uni-body structures, look up manufacturer’s paint codes and mix the correct colors of paint. An understanding of mixing ratios and proportions of refinishing products will be covered in the program. A state of the art down draft spray booth is available for the development of refinishing skills. This is a PA approved program of study.

Automotive Technology

General automotive maintenance including understanding: brake work, tire changing & repair, wheel balancing, oil changes, lubrications, exhaust systems, and electrical systems are included in the first phase of the program. The second phase includes analysis of engine problems, adjustment, repair, and replacement of faulty parts. The student also learns engine tune-up, engine overhaul, steering systems, wheel alignments, and fuel injection theory, drive-ability, and repair. Automotive computer systems are also covered in the program. This is a PA approved program of study.

Building Construction Technology

This course begins with the use and care of hand tools. Power tools are introduced with a major emphasis on safety. Rough framing, roof framing, exterior finish, interior finish, and stair building are taught and the learning is culminated with the construction of an actual full-scale house. Electrical wiring, plumbing, dry wall application and masonry are also taught. Trade mathematics, estimating, and blueprint reading are major units of the course. This is a PA approved program of study.

Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD)

The CADD curriculum prepares the student for entry-level skills as a mechanical/architectural draftsperson. Basic drafting fundamentals on the drafting board, applied mathematics and basic geometry, and computerized drafting (CAD) comprise the Computer Aided Drafting & Design curriculum. The CAD equipment is personal computer based with the latest version of AutoCAD, with Architectural & Mechanical Desktop, Inventor Series professional, and Revit Building programs. This is a PA approved program of study.

Computer Information Systems

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in areas such as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Computer Network Architects, Computer Programmer, Computer Support Specialists, Computer Systems Analysts, Database Administrator, Information Security Analysts, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Software Developers, and Web Developers. The first year is devoted to introducing students to computer concepts and terminology, general business applications with Microsoft Office, computer programming, web site development, and 2D animation. The second year students learn how to analyze common hardware/software/networking processing, problems, and preformation issues, integrate common preventive maintenance techniques, and identify cyber law and digital forensics by using computer forensics techniques. Students will take the TestOut PC Pro and Network Pro Certification. Third year students will concentrate on multimedia development, 2D video game development, and 3D animation commonly seen in video games and motion pictures. This is a PA approved program of study.

Cosmetology

Students learn hair styling, permanent waving, coloring, hair cutting, facial care, and manicuring/pedicuring. Customer relations and working with others is an integral part of the program. Students completing 1250 hours of training are eligible to take the State examination to become certified cosmetologists. This is a PA approved tech-prep course.

Culinary Arts

The culinary arts department is divided into two phases: chef training (including baking) and waiter/waitress training. The chef training emphasizes the basic principles of food service and bakery operation; including banquet service, buffets, fast food preparation, and institutional food service. The waiter/waitress program stresses proper customer service, table setting, reading and describing a menu, and cash register operation. Students will have the opportunity to achieve the following certifications: ServSafe (food handling), CPR and First Aid, PS2 training. This is a PA approved program of study.

Electronics Technology

Students study electrical and electronic circuits, audio and digital electronics, microprocessors, robotics systems, copper cabling, fiber optics, and computer servicing and troubleshooting. Students operate voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other specialized equipment. Students will also receive instruction in programmable logic controllers and industrial motor controls. Students will build their own lab trainer, multi-meters, and other electronic projects. A prior course in algebra is helpful, but not required. This is a PA approved program of study.

Gas & Oil Technician

The Gas and Oil Technician program is designed to introduce the students to the many skills required to obtain employment in the growing gas and oil extraction industry. Natural gas drilling supports 300,000 jobs, in Pennsylvania. This is a program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to setup, maintain, repair, and operate well drilling equipment; locate, drill, construct, and develop gas, water and oil wells; and test and monitor wells to ensure adequate flow. Instruction also includes application to home, business and industrial uses. This program is designed to fill the increasing gap between industry and skilled laborers in the gas and oil industry and provide students the opportunity for family sustaining wages with room for advancement. VTC has an articulation agreement with PennDot to train students that would like to obtain a CDL driver license.

Machine Tool Technology

Blueprint reading, understanding instructions, and mental alertness, with good eye-hand coordination are necessary ingredients for the machine tool technology area. Machine work includes: lathe, milling machine, heat-treating, bench work, drill press, grinder, and band saw. In addition, the student is exposed to a computerized numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine and a computerized turning center. This enables the student to learn current technology as it relates to computer-controlled machinery. Students who meet certain criteria are eligible to take the NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) certification test. This is a PA approved program of study.

Marketing

The program prepares students for work in the areas of retailing, wholesaling, sales, and service occupations. Students learn skills in human relations, product and service technology, communications, merchandising, management, business mathematics, advertising, computerized business operations, display work, and selling. Students operate an actual retail store within the school and create their own business plans through their coursework in this program. Computer and math skills are an essential part of the program. This is a PA approved program of study.

Natural Resources

A combination of subject matter and planned learning experiences dealing with conservation and natural resources such as air, forests, soil, water, fish, plants, and wildlife is a part of this course. Students are able to explore interests and pursue careers in forestry, horticulture, landscaping, recreational land use, environmental protection, and a variety of related careers. The four main areas of the program are: forestry, landscaping, horticulture, and greenhouse operation. Students are also instructed in the use of chain saws, survey equipment, and operation of a landscape tractor and a log loader. Certification can be received in the HOSTA (Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture) program. This is a PA approved program of study.

Protective Services

The Protective Services Program is designed to maximize the student’s marketability after graduation. The newly acquired skills will enable the student to walk-on to several entry-level jobs that are in high demand not just in our area, but all across the United States. Students will develop the mental, physical, and moral attributes to be successful in the Protective Services fields. Although this is a great start that will undoubtedly lead to an excellent career, students are encouraged to continue seeking higher education. This will aid in furthering their experience and knowledge in a chosen field. Academics are considered a high priority. Also, students will engage in a daily regimen of physical fitness and will be required to keep their uniforms along with appearance up to standard. Throughout the program students will build confidence in themselves and their peers. They will receive training in a safe and healthy environment where learning is enhanced by a variety of methods. Responsibility and leadership are key parts of the program that will follow them throughout their career. Students must possess a “failure is not an option” attitude every day to succeed as this program will be challenging both mentally and physically. The reward of gaining these valuable certifications and experience, that will pay off in the future, is worth the extra effort.

Welding Technology

The course deals with blueprint reading, hand tools, brazing, using oxygen/acetylene torches, shielded metal arc (stick) welding, gas metal arc( M.I.G)., gas tungsten arc (T.I.G.) welding, and flux core arc welding (FCAW) in various test positions. The student will cut metals using a variety of cutting processes. Students will practice and have the opportunity to obtain certifications under American Welding Society codes. Safety is stressed throughout the course. This program qualifies as a program of study by the PA Department of Education.