Career and Technical Education
CTE Programs of Study offered at Amelia County High School (2021-2022)
Agriculture Education- The curriculum in Agricultural Education helps students to prepare for occupations in the agriculture industry. It offers opportunities for students who wish to enter the job force after high school as well as helping to prepare those who plan to go on for further education in an agricultural pursuit. Agriculture courses offer background for students wishing to pursue further training in a related technical field. Students completing a sequence of Agriculture courses may qualify for industry certification and verified credit. The FFA is an integral part of agricultural education. The primary purpose of FFA is the development of leadership, citizenship, and cooperation through instruction in Agricultural Education.
Foundations of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Systems (Level I): Grade Levels: 9-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; This course is designed to develop competencies in each of the career pathways as they pertain to agricultural education, including the areas of Virginia’s agriculture industry; the global scope of agriculture; scientific research concepts; in plant, animal, and food science; principles of leadership and opportunities within student organizations; agribusiness and Supervised Agricultural Experience program opportunities; agricultural skills and safety in power, structural and technical systems; and natural resource conservation.
Introduction to Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Grade Level: 10-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Foundations of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Agriculture Mechanics and Technology Exam, Power Equipment Technology Exam; This course is an introductory level Agricultural Power, Structural and Technical Systems course. It is designed for students interested in pursuing careers or further education or training in the areas of agricultural power, structural and technical systems. It includes instruction in building agricultural structures, agricultural carpentry and woodworking, metal fabrication, and welding. Course content also includes introductory instruction in the operation of agricultural equipment, basic engine principles, power trains, and hydraulic and electrical systems. Leadership and FFA activities are also integral parts of this course.
Agricultural Fabrication and Emerging Technologies: Grade Level: 10 - 12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Intro to Power, Structural, and Technical Systems; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Welding Exam; This course is a more advanced course in the Agricultural Power, Structural and Technical Systems career pathway. It provides career training in the areas of agricultural fabrication and emerging technologies. Course content focuses on hot and cold metal fabrication (arc and gas welding, mig welding, plasma arc cutting) and will also include studies of emerging technologies utilized within the field of agriculture. These technologies include precise agriculture, use of GPS technology and introduction to GIS systems. Leadership and FFA activities are also integral parts of this course.
Agricultural Structural Systems: Grade Level: 11-12; Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Introduction to Power, Structural, and Technical Systems; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; This course is a more advanced course in the Agricultural Power, Structural and Technical Systems career pathway. It provides instruction in agricultural structural systems which will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to consider a career in constructing agricultural structures and building systems. Instruction will focus on carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, concrete, and land measurement and leveling. Leadership and FFA activities are also an integral part of this course.
Small Engine Repairs: Grade Level: 9 -12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Master Service Technician Exam; This course offers an intensive study of the operation, maintenance, and repair of small gasoline engines. Instructional topics include principles of operation of internal combustion engines, repair and service procedures, and disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly. Instruction may also include the operation of two-cycle and four-cycle engines commonly found on lawn mowers, garden tractors, snow blowers, rotary tillers, chainsaws, and other equipment. The course emphasizes leadership activities and opportunities to participate in FFA functions.
Small Animal Care I: Grade Level: 9-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Pet Sitters Exam; Students will learn how to care for and manage small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, fish and reptiles. Class instruction will include breed identification and selection, animal health, management, reproduction, evaluation, and training. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment and facilities for small animal care. An introduction to small animal business management and leadership development will also be a part of the course. Hands-on practice and instruction will be utilized as much as possible. FFA activities will be included.
Small Animal Care II: Grade Level: 10-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Small Animal Care I; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Pet Sitters Exam, Small Animal Care Exam; Students will expand on the knowledge gained in the Small Animal I class. Instruction will include the care and management of dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, fish, birds, reptiles and exotic pets. Increased emphasis will be on nutrition, disease control, reproduction and training of appropriate species. An expanded study of exotic pets will be part of the curriculum. Students will also be able to explore areas of occupations in small animal care in depth. Additional instruction will be included on starting and managing a business in small animal care. Leadership development and FFA activities will be included.
Veterinary Science I: Grade Levels: 10-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Small Animal Care Industry Certification; Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; Prepares students for post-secondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and handling animals. Live animal handling may occur. Course content also includes facility maintenance, veterinary office functions, and safety procedures.
Veterinary Science II: Grade Levels: 11-12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Veterinary Science I & Teacher Recommendation Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam Expand knowledge of animal science and the care of animals, including animal structure and function, microbes and disease prevention, parasitology, and genetics and breeding. Develop more advanced skills and techniques for assisting the veterinarian/technician in the following areas: performing first aid and surgery, applying aseptic techniques, performing technical functions, administering medication, handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions. On-the-job clinical instruction coordinated by the instructor may be included in veterinary offices or animal clinics.
Introduction to Animal Systems: Grade Levels: 9-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; Develop competencies in each of the major areas of the animal systems career pathway including animal nutrition, reproduction, breeding, care, and management. Learn agricultural mechanics applicable to animal systems. Explore principles of leadership and opportunities within student organizations along with supervised agricultural experience opportunities.
Introduction to Plant Systems: Grade Levels: 9–12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; Develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Plant Systems career pathway, including applied botany, plant propagation, and plant care and selection. Develop knowledge in plant science areas like tree physiology, forest ecology, silviculture, and the management and marketing of forest products. Learn agricultural mechanics applicable to plant systems such as woodworking, carpentry, plumbing, and metalworking.
Horticulture Sciences and Practices: Grade Levels: 9-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Pesticide Applicators Exam; The Horticulture program is designed to assist students in developing the necessary knowledge, skills, habits, and attitudes for entry level employment and advancement in areas such as floriculture, landscape design, greenhouse operation, nursery plant production, and turf management. Students receive instruction in using soil and other plant growing media and in identifying, propagating, and growing horticultural plants in the green house and land laboratory. Instruction is provided in safety practices and leadership development.
Greenhouse Plant Production and Management: Grade Levels: 10-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Horticulture Sciences and Practices; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, Greenhouse Operator’s Exam, Plant Science Exam; Please note: Greenhouse Plant Production and Management and Landscaping are offered on alternating years. Greenhouse Plant Production and Management is a one-year occupational course offered at the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade levels. This course includes instruction in the growth and production of different types of plants, plant ID, production facilities, marketing skills and leadership skills. The classroom, greenhouse and outside will be utilized as the classroom setting for this class.
Business Education- This curriculum prepares students for successful participation in business. The business subjects contribute either to the general or to the specialized education of students or to both. However, the nature of the sequential program in business education is to focus on the development of marketable skills. The number of secretaries and other business personnel needed by the numerous government offices, as well as area business and industrial concerns, would seem to indicate a ready market for such skills.
Computer Information Systems I: Grade Levels: 9-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Digital Applications Industry Certification Possibilities: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam and Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities using the Microsoft Office Suite. Students work to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, and emerging technologies.
Advanced Computer Information Systems: Grade Levels: 10-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisites: Computer Applications and Computer Information Systems; Industry Certification Possibilities: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam and Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through advanced integrated software applications including printed, electronic, and web publications. Students work individually and in groups to explore advanced computer maintenance activities, website development, networking, emerging technology, and employability skills.
Economics and Personal Finance: Grade Levels: 11-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam and Wise Financial Literacy Exam; Students learn how to navigate the financial decisions they must face and to make informed decisions related to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit insurance, spending taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance. Development of financial literacy skills and understanding of economic principles will provide the basis for responsible citizenship and career success. Instruction in economics and personal finance prepares students to function effectively as consumers, savers, investors, entrepreneurs, and active citizens. Students learn how economies and markets operate and how the United States’ economy is interconnected with the global economy. On a personal level, students learn that their own human capital (knowledge and skills) is their most valuable resource. In addition to developing personal finance skills, students in the course will also study basic occupational concepts in preparation for entry-level employment in the field of finance. The course incorporates all economies and financial literacy objectives included in the Code of Virginia §22.1-20-03B.
Dual Enrollment Intro to Business and Principles of Management: Grade Level: 11-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: Meets standards of John Tyler Community College; BUS 100 (first semester) presents a broad introduction to the functioning of business enterprise within the U.S. economic framework. Introduces economic systems, essential elements of business organization, production, human resource management, marketing, finance, and risk management. Develops business vocabulary. BUS 200 (second semester) teaches management and the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Focuses on application of management principles to realistic situations managers encounter as they attempt to achieve organizational objectives.
Marketing Education- This curriculum prepares students for engagement in the marketing and distribution of goods and services to the public including all retail, wholesale, and service occupations. The Marketing Education program is designed to equip students with the social economic, marketing and job search techniques necessary for successful initial employment in retail, wholesale or service businesses.
Introduction to Marketing: Grade Levels: 9-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam, NFFF Customer Service and Sales Assessments; Students gain an understanding of the importance of marketing in today’s society. They develop skills related to interpersonal communication, self-presentation, economics, marketing, sales, employability, career discovery and ethical decision-making. Computer/technology applications and DECA activities support this course. DECA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.
Fashion Marketing: Grade Level: 10-12; Credit: 1; Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam; In this specialized course, students gain basic knowledge of the apparel and accessories industry and skills necessary for successful employment in the apparel businesses. Students develop general marketing skills necessary for successful employment in fashion marketing, general marketing skills applicable to the apparel and accessories industry and specialized skills unique to fashion marketing. Personal selling, sales promotion, purchasing, physical distribution, marketing planning and product/service technology as well as academic skills (Mathematics, Science, English and History/Social Science) related to the content are part of this course. Computer/technology applications supporting this course are studied.
Education for Employment I: Grade Levels: 9-12; Credits: 1; Education for Employment (EFE) is designed for youth pursuing an Applied studies diploma that have special needs, including students with disabilities and students identified as disadvantaged. Certain EFE courses are designated for individuals with disabilities and individuals identified as disadvantaged. The courses would offer engaging activities allowing students to combine their academic and vocational studies as well employment experiences to solve real-world problems, perform actual work, and bring forth real products. Emphasis is placed on career preparation, employable skills, independent living skills, and academic competencies that relate to state initiatives.
Education for Employment II: Grade Levels: 10-12; Credits: 1; Prerequisite: EFE I Education for Employment; (EFE) II is designed for youth pursuing an Applied Studies diploma that have special needs, including students with disabilities and students identified as disadvantaged. Certain EFE courses are designated for individuals with disabilities and individuals identified as disadvantaged. The courses would offer engaging activities allowing students to combine their academic and vocational studies as well employment experiences to solve real-world problems, perform actual work, and bring forth real products. Emphasis is placed on career preparation, employable skills, independent living skills, and academic competencies that relate to state initiatives.
Teachers for Tomorrow I: Grade Level: 11-12; Credit: 1; Prerequisite: English 10
Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam Teachers for Tomorrow fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession. Students build a foundation for teaching; learn the history, structure and governance of teaching; apply professional teaching techniques during the field experience; and reflect on their teaching experiences.
Teachers for Tomorrow II: Grade Level: 12 Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Teachers for Tomorrow I
Industry Certification Possibilities: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Exam Teachers for Tomorrow fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession. Students build a foundation for teaching; learn the history, structure and governance of teaching; apply professional teaching techniques during the field experience; and reflect on their teaching experiences.
CTE Programs of Study offered at the Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center
Courses at the Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center qualify students for skilled employment after graduation. Certain students who have reached their sixteenth birthday may also enroll in the courses. Students report to ACHS, as usual, and then travel by bus to ANTC. Students spend three periods at the center. Students are considered full-time Amelia County High School students eligible to participate in all ACHS activities.
Auto Body Technology I and II: Grade Level 11-12; Students are taught damage analysis, estimating, customer service, non-structural analysis, damage repair, and welding. Students work with a variety of materials, using metal finishing and body filling techniques to prepare surfaces and repair panels. Students who successfully complete this program sequence may be eligible to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification examinations. Auto Body Technology I/II are closely aligned with the 2016 ASE Education Foundation collision repair and refinish program standards.
Cosmetology I & II: Grade Levels: 11-12; Students are introduced to the various career opportunities available in the cosmetology field as well as the knowledge and skills associated therein. These include the study of hair, skin and nails and their related areas. Students study and prepare in a clinical lab setting using mannequins and live models for manipulative skill practice. Emphasis is placed on safety, sanitation, communication and management skills. Related areas of study include psychology, ethics and presentation of a professional image. Students that satisfactorily complete the two-year program will be eligible for the licensing exam given by the Virginia Board of Cosmetology. At the end of the first semester, students who have not obtained most of the competencies are placed in Beauty Salon Assistant Class, which is a one-year course without licensing exam.
Culinary Arts I & II: Grade Levels 11-12; Students will learn the following concepts: the value of quality customer service in a dining experience, the role of food service management to include standards, regulations, and laws; the importance of safety and sanitation, the use of professional equipment in commercial kitchens, how culinary nutrition will enable you to create successful menus, how to use standard recipes to control costs, as well as cooking techniques used in large quantity food preparation. Students will also learn proper washing of hands, how to avoid spreading bacteria and how to eliminate cross-contamination, how to thaw and cook food properly, baking and pastry culinary will be spotlighted, specialty desserts will be introduced, as well as identifying characteristics of specific cuts of meat. Industry Certification Possibilities: ServSafe
Medical Assistant I & II: Grade Levels: 11-12; Students gain foundational knowledge in basic anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, medical asepsis, terminology, medical mathematics, and legal responsibilities. Students also develop basic skills and techniques to assist the healthcare provider and/or other medical professionals in patient examinations, basic emergency care, simple laboratory tests, and administrative duties. Additionally, students explore medical assisting career pathways through Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) and potential on-the-job clinical instruction and/or observation in a healthcare facility. Students also learn management of health records; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; care and use of equipment; collection and analysis of laboratory specimens; special diagnostic testing related to basic diseases and disorders, treatment, and medication; and job preparedness skills. Advanced on-the-job clinical experience in a healthcare facility is a part of the course. Successful completion of the program may lead to employment in a healthcare setting and an industry credential.
Nurse Aide I (Dual Enrollment): Grade Levels: 11-12; Students will study nursing occupations as related to the health care system. Students study normal growth development, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology and are introduced to microbes and disease. They receive elementary skill training in patient-nursing assistant relationships; taking and recording of vital signs; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and bathing, feeding, dressing, and transporting of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. It is recommended that students taking this course have had Chemistry or are currently taking Chemistry. Students must pass a placement test in order to enroll in this course. Industry Certification Possibilities: Certified Nursing Assistant
CTE Programs of Study offered at John Tyler Community College
Precision Machining Technology program
Based on input from area employers and secondary school divisions in the John Tyler Community College service region, the Department of Industrial Technology at JTCC Chester campus began a two-year sequence of precision machining classes. Students attend the JTCC Chester campus Monday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:05am. The Precision Machining Program at JTCC is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). High school students follow the same program and are responsible for the same level of rigor as regular JTCC students. Completion of the two-year program results in a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Basic Precision Machining (manual) and 9 of 17 credits completed toward a CSC in Computer Numerical Control. Students complete 25 of 40 credits required for a Certificate in Precision Machining. During the program, students are given the opportunity to earn up to six industry credentials from NIMS.
Juniors: MAC161 Machine Shop Practices I; MAC 162 Machine Shop Practices II; MAC 181 Machine Blueprint Reading I; MAC 121 Computer Numerical Control I; SDV 101 Orientation to Advanced Manufacturing; SAF 130 Industrial Safety – OSHA 10
Seniors: MAC163 Machine Shop Practices III; MAC 164 Machine Shop Practices IV; MAC 122 Computer Numerical Control II; MAC 123 Computer Numerical Control III
Welding Technology program
Based on input from the January 2013 Boston Consulting Group report and secondary school divisions in the John Tyler Community College service region, the Department of Industrial Technology at JTCC Chester campus proposed to begin a two-year sequence of welding technology classes set aside for high school students to attend. The program runs on the same schedule as the existing Precision Machining Concurrent High School Program with the students attending classes at the JTCC Chester campus Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 10:05 am. The Welding Program at JTCC is accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS) Schools Excelling through National Skills Standards Education (SENSE) program.
Juniors: SAF 130 Industrial Safety – OSHA 10; WEL 160 Gas Metal Arc Welding; WEL 123 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Basic); WEL 116 Oxyfuel Welding; WEL 150 Welding Drawing and Interpretation; SDV 101 Orientation to Advanced Manufacturing 8
Seniors: WEL 244 Weld Testing and Code; WEL 141 Welder Qualification Test; WEL 130 Inert Gas Welding; WEL 248 Welding Quality Control and Inspection
Heating and Air Conditioning program
Based on input from area employers and secondary school divisions in the John Tyler Community College service region, the Department of Industrial Technology at JTCC Chester campus proposed to begin a two year sequence of heating and air conditioning classes set aside for high school students to attend. Students are at JTCC Chester campus Monday through Thursday from 8:00 until 10:05am.
Juniors: AIR 121 A/C and Refrigeration I; AIR 122 A/C and Refrigeration II; ELE 131 National Electrical Code I; ELE 123 Electrical Applications I; SDV 101 Orientation to Advanced Manufacturing; SAF 130 Industrial Safety – OSHA 10
Seniors: AIR 134 Circuits and Controls I; AIR 154 Heating Systems I; ELE 124 Electrical Applications II; ELE 110 Home Electric Power
Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate
Based on the critical importance of the first five years of a child’s life and the significant shortage of quality early childhood teachers, the JTCC Early Childhood Program is a one-year program for high school students to earn an Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate (CSC). This program is held at the Chester campus, Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 10:05 am, concurrent with the JTCC high school Welding and Precision Machining programs.
Juniors/Seniors: SDV 101 Orientation to Early Childhood Education; CHD 205 Guiding the Behavior of Children; CHD 120 Intro to Early Childhood Programs; CHD 165 Early Childhood Practicum; CHD 145 Teaching Art, Music & Movement; EDU 235 Health, Safety & Nutrition Education
CTE Programs of Study offered at Southside Virginia Community College
Diesel Technician program
The objective of this program is to graduate an entry level diesel technician in all areas of diesel repair, maintenance, failure analysis, and diagnosis. This is accomplished by providing the student with a realistic shop setting that very closely parallels the industry to include modern as well as older equipment to repair. The term “Diesel Technician” is used to designate a worker that performs repairs to not only diesel engines, but also diesel powered equipment including automobiles, small and large trucks, heavy equipment, generators, ships, locomotives, and others. Students will attend Amelia County High School and complete academic graduation requirements. They participate in the Diesel Tech courses Monday through Thursday at Fort Pickett after completing core requirements needed for graduation at the high school.
Seniors: DSL 111 Introduction to Diesel Engine; DSL 123 Diesel Engine Systems I; DSL 143 Diesel Truck Electrical Systems; DSL 131 Diesel Fuel Systems; DSL 181 Diesel Mechanics I; DSL 152 Diesel Power Trains; DSL 160 Air Brake Systems; DSL 161 Air Brake Systems I; DSL 195 Microcomputers for Diesel Tech; MEC 103 Electronic Circuits and Instrumentation; MEC 175 Fundamental Shop Procedures
Postsecondary Education and Employment Data
Each school board's career and technical education program must include annual notice on its website to enrolled high school students and their parents of the availability of the postsecondary education and employment data published by the State Council of Higher Education and the opportunity for such students to obtain a nationally recognized career readiness certificate at a local public high school, comprehensive community college or workforce center Va. Code 22.1-253.13:1.D.3.d.
The Amelia County Public School System does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, disabilities or national origin in its educational programs, admission policies, and activities.
Career and Technical Education Contact Information:
Questions or comments regarding Career and Technical Education may be directed to:
Dr. Heather Gentry, Director of Instruction
804-561-2621