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Tech Prep Programs

Tech Prep students graduate better educated and prepared with the right skills needed for high-paying, technical jobs.

Tech Prep (Technology Preparation) programs combine traditional academic subjects with advanced technology training for students who want to meet the challenge of today's technically advanced workplace.

Tech Prep combines at least the final two years of high school with two years of post-high school education, including college or apprenticeship.

Tech Prep programs and courses are designed with the help of business professionals in specific technical fields to ensure that students are prepared for the workplace.

Key Components of Tech Prep

• A program which bridges the gap between academic and occupational programs
• A rigorous education program combining math, science, and communications with specific technical skills in a mechanical and/or scientific area.
• A sequence of courses that combines at least the final two years of high school with two years of post-high school education.
• A smooth transition between high school and post-high school educational institutions with no duplication of courses or loss of credits
• A comprehensive career guidance program and assistance for guidance personnel
• Direct involvement and consultation with business, industry and labor in the development of contextual-based curricula with high performance standards.

Students who complete the Tech Prep Program will be technically and academically prepared to join the workforce or continue formal training towards a baccalaureate degree.

Mfg: Tech-Prep Programs in Southwest PA: (Programs will vary from school to school)

• Engineering Technology
• Drafting
• Electrical Power Installation
• Electronic/Communications Engineering Technology
• Diesel Engine Mechanical Repair
• Machinist/Machine Technology
• Mechanical/Installation/Repair Technology
• Production Industrial Technology
• Communications Technician
• Welder/ Welding Technology
• Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Technology
• Machine Shop Technician
• Tool, Die Maker Technician

Career and Technology Centers, or Area Vocational and Technical schools may offer the above programs as either Tech Prep programs or as occupational programs, without the rigorous academic component.

What schools offer technical training in my area?
For a listing of technical educational institutions by county, see the PA Dept. of Education web site.

• click on the county you are interested in
• click on AVTS or high school for a listing of the schools in the county
• click on the name of the school you are interested in for contact, location and website information

What Tech Prep programs are offered at my school?
To find out what Tech Prep programs and certifications are available at a specific school you can access the Career and Technical Information Systems (CATS) of the PA Dept of Education:

• Select the LEA (Lead Education Agency) / name of the school you are interested in from a pull down menu.
• Select the name of the school from a pull down menu (may be the same as the LEA)
• Select the year
• Click on certifications
• Click on Approved Programs and scroll down the page to see the listings

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