Careers and Technology Department

Agricultural/Environment Science         grades 9-10   1 unit
This course will help students gain a general knowledge of plant and animal science and environmental issues. Students will learn through classroom and laboratory activities and will be exposed to soils, forestry, water quality, wildlife and other environmental topics. FFA activities are an integral part of this course. Career opportunities are explored and consumer awareness, citizenship and leadership skills are stressed.

Automotive Technology 1      grades 10-11   1 unit
This course will give students first hand knowledge about a career in the automotive field. Students are exposed to a variety of basic subjects including the following: developing problem solving skills, time management, co-operative working and proper use of tools, equipment and reference materials.

Automotive Technology 2      grades 11-12   2 units
Prerequisite: Automotive Technology 1
This course is designed to provide learning experiences that provide a firm background in solid hands-on training directly related to auto service and repair. Through both theory and lab experiences, students will learn skill in engine, drive train, chassis diagnostics, electrical and computer controlled system analysis on today’s automobiles.

Automotive Technology 3       grades 11-12     2 units
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
This course is designed to prepare students to pass their ASE exam. Students are required to have their own hand tools and to dress appropriately during class.

Computer Network Technology     grades 10-12            2 units
Prerequisites: Algebra 1
Read and write at grade level, can visually distinguish colors
This course offers competencies necessary to provide a solid understanding of the skills needed in the world of personal computer communications, hardware configuration, operating systems, preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and safety. The course prepares students for the A+ Certification exam.

Culinary Arts 1      grades 10-11     2 units
ProStart is a 2-year program geared toward preparing students for the foodservice and hospitality industries. Culinary Arts 1 serves as the introduction to the ProStart program. Students learn the following basic culinary and hospitality skills: kitchen safety and sanitation, foodservice equipment and basics, working with people and customer relations, business math and cost control, nutrition, breakfast foods and sandwiches, salads and garnishes, fruits and vegetable, basic baking techniques, breads and desserts. Students who wish to enroll in Culinary Arts 1 must complete a ProStart application available in the Guidance Office.

Culinary Arts 2      grades 11-12      2 units
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts 1
Culinary Arts 2 completes the ProStart program. Students learn advanced foodservice and hospitality skills such as the history of foodservice, purchasing and inventory control, marketing and the menu, communicating with customers, the art of service, lodging, tourism and the retail industry, the Servsafe Food Safety Program, potatoes and grains, soups, stocks and sauces, meats, poultry and seafood, and advanced desserts and baked goods. Students will also complete a resume and job-seeking portfolio. Students who wish to earn a ProStart certificate must pass a test at the end of Culinary Arts 1 and 2 and work 400 hours in the food service industry.

Digital Electronics      grades 10-12     I unit
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in college prep math (Algebra 1 or Algebra 2)
This course studies applied digital logic. Students will study the application of electronic logic circuits and devices and apply Boolean logic to the solution of problems. Using Circuit Maker students will test and analyze simple and complex digital circuitry such as are found in watches, calculators, video games and computers. Students will design circuits, export their designs to a printed circuit autorouting program that generates printed circuit boards and construct the design using chips and other components.

Drafting 1        grades 10-12      1 unit
Drafting 1 provides basic drafting skills that will benefit students whether they are entering the workforce, a technical school, or a four-year college. Some of these skills include sketching, geometric construction, size description, basic computer aided drafting, applied geometry, and floor plan design.

Drafting 2         grades 11-12    1 unit
This course is designed to help the student learn about the field of architectural drafting. The student will create a set of house plans that will include a door and window schedule as well as a plot, foundation, floor, cross-sectional, and elevation plan. Basic computer aided drafting will be included.

Early Childhood Education 1      grades 10-11   1 unit
This course is designed to provide students with hands-on opportunities to actively explore and observe the world of young children. Students are provided an in-depth study of career paths, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum development and safe and healthy learning environments.

Early Childhood Education 2     grades 10-12 2 units
Prerequisite: Early Childhood Education 1
This course is an advanced study in working with young children. Students apply and build on skills acquired in Early Childhood Education 1. Opportunities are provided to interact with professionals in the field and experience is gained through various school-to-work activities.   This course is designed to meet the demands for early childhood educators in child-centered facilities.

Family Life Education   grades 10-12        1/2 unit
This course is the core of the Family and Consumer Sciences program. This course emphasizes the family as the basic unit of society, while exploring the complexities of marriage and family life in a changing society. The course helps students meet the demands of daily living in the areas of personal development, interpersonal relationships, preparation for love and marriage, and the management of resources to achieve individual and family goals.

Foods and Nutrition 1    grades 10-12         ½ unit
Students will learn basic culinary methods and human nutrition principles through classroom and lab activities. Students will prepare dairy products, salads, vegetables, grains, entrees, quick breads, breakfast foods, table etiquette and service

Foods and Nutrition 2              grades 10 -12    ½ unit
Prerequisite: Any foods and Nutrition or Culinary Arts course
Students will continue to study the principles of human nutrition and the relationship of nutrition and exercise to individual health. Healthy diets and physical fitness will be emphasized. Students will acquire advanced food preparation skills, including meats and main dishes, yeast breads, desserts and cake decorating.

Horticulture 1, 2     grades 10-12     2 units
Nursery Technology    grade 12       2 units
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
These courses will allow the student to explore career opportunities in horticulture and other related areas. The students will develop skills in many different areas through classroom, laboratory, service learning and cooperative work experiences. Greenhouse management, floriculture skills, landscape design and management, nursery crop production and other topics will be covered. FFA activities are an integral part of this course and these students will be encouraged to become involved in the career development, personal growth and leadership events.

Industrial Technology   grades 9-10   1 unit
Industrial Technology is designed to provide students with hands-on exploratory experiences and insights into technology and career opportunities. It gives the students a chance to experiment with tools, materials and processes directly related to four occupational areas: communication, transportation, manufacturing and construction.

Intro to Culinary Arts   grade 10    ½ unit
This course provides students with an overview of the skills needed to advance to Culinary Arts 1. Students will learn food safety and sanitation, personal hygiene, proper food storage, use of small and large equipment and recipes, serving techniques, and dry and moist heat cooking techniques. Students will prepare a variety of foods, including baked products, grains, vegetables, meats and main dishes.

Intro of Early Childhood Education    grade 9 1 unit
This course is designed to provide an overview of the skills required to enter a career working with young children. Students will develop skills in areas including career paths, developmentally appropriate practices, safe and healthy learning environments, collaborative relationships, and professional employment skills. Students will participate in many hands-on learning activities.

Intro to Electronics    grades 9-12     1 unit
Prerequisites: Student must be able to read at grade level, have completed Algebra 1 or Math Tech 1 and be able to visually distinguish colors
This course provides a basic introduction to fundamental electronics principles. Topics include direct current, alternating current, safety, hand tools, test equipment, sources of energy, magnetism, motors, generators, capacitors, resistors, diodes, transistors, transformers and power supplies. Hands-on projects include related laboratory experiments and projects brought by students. Soldering tools and techniques provide students an opportunity to apply practical experience to real projects kit assembly, soldering and test.

Intro to Engineering Design       grades 9 - 10   1 unit
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in college prep math
This course develops student problem solving skills, with emphasis placed upon the concept of developing a 3-D model or solid rendering of an object. Students focus on the application of visualization processes and tools provided by modern, state of the art computer hardware and software, Inventor. This course will emphasize the design development process of a product and how a model of that product is produced, analyzed and evaluated using a Computer Aided Design System.

Principles of Engineering grade 10 – 12    1 unit
This course helps students understand the field of engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people.

AIKEN COUNTY CAREER CENTER

Students enrolling in classes at ACCTC must have specific prerequisite classes and have a 2.0 GPA in English, Math and Science. Prospective students should also be recommended by their teacher or counselor. All prospective students must complete a written application and interview with the ACCTC instructor. ACCTC has limited space and cannot always accept all qualified applicants.

Students successfully completing some career and technology programs at the Career Center may be eligible to obtain Technical Advanced Placement (TAP) at various technical colleges. This gives students an opportunity to continue post-secondary education without duplicating courses taken in career and technology education.

Students who take career and technology education classes and are enrolled in their final level of training may be eligible to participate in cooperative education work experience or other school-to-work programs. Technical training is combined with supervised work experience in an actual job setting. These school-to-work programs require prior approval by the instructor, the school-to-work coordinator, the school administrator and the employer. Students have an opportunity to earn wages and a unit of high school credit simultaneously through this program.

CAD 1                      grades 10-11     2 units
Prerequisite: Math for Tech 1 or Algebra
GPA 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Students are introduced to engineering fundamentals through the use of board and computer applications. Skills are developed in mechanical drawing, graphic language, sketching, lettering, geometric construction, orthographic projection, and dimensioning, sectioning and auxiliary views.

CAD 2        grades 11-12         2 units
Prerequisite: CAD 1 (min. grade 77)
Teacher Recommendation, GPA 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
CAD architectural drafting is introduced. The students will learn all aspects of house construction to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, plot plan, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. All aspects of architectural design will be accomplished on board and CAD.

CAD 3          grades 12          2 units
Prerequisite: CAD 2 (min. grade 77)
Teacher Recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or high in English, math and science
Students’ knowledge and understanding of computer-generated drawings will be expanded through art and commercial programs. Three D modeling will be used to develop these unique skills. Students will have the opportunity to develop web design and desktop publishing skills and to study Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Construction Tech 1 grades 10-11   2 units
Prerequisite: GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Construction Technology 1 provides instruction and hands-on experiences in four phases of construction: carpentry, basic electricity, plumbing and brick masonry. Safety and the proper use of hand and power tools are emphasized throughout the program. Level 1 students learn to erect and repair wooden structures, install plumbing fixtures, construct a variety of masonry projects and wire basic electrical circuits. Strong math skills are a must for success in this class.

Construction Tech 2 grades 11-12   2 units
Prerequisite: Construction Tech 1 (min. grade 77), Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Students learn to read and interpret blueprints, sketches and building plans. Practical work is completed on residential structures using carpentry, masonry, basic electricity, and plumbing skills.

Construction Tech 3    grade 12      2 units
Prerequisites: Construction Tech 2 (min. grade 77), Teacher recommendation
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Students will expand their proficiency in construction skills through extensive hands-on projects, school-to work opportunities and classroom instruction.

Cosmetology 1           grade 11           3 units
Prerequisite: GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
The Cosmetology Program is equivalent to programs offered by private cosmetology schools or colleges. Students are expected to complete the 1500 hours of instruction as required by the Labor Department in order to qualify for the State Board licensing examination. Cosmetology 1 offers instruction in the theory and practical application of hair, skin and nail care. Records of attendance and hours are maintained as students begin preparation for the State Board licensing examination.

Cosmetology 2         grade 12         3 units
Prerequisite: Cosmetology 1 (min. grade 77)
Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Cosmetology 2 teaches advanced techniques in hair skin and nail care. Students receive additional instruction in the application of shampooing, cutting hair design, coloring, perming, manicuring and skin care. General anatomy and physiology as well as human relations are included in Level 2. Students must complete preparation for the state licensing examination.

Electricity 1     grades 10-11       2 units
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Math Tech 2GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
The Electricity 1 program prepares students to perform entry-level residential tasks. Students receive instruction in safety, AC/DC circuits, single-phase power, residential wiring, blueprint reading, service calculations for the National Electrical Code and troubleshooting circuits.

Electricity 2     grades 11-12        2 units
Prerequisite: Electricity 1(min. grade of 77)
Teacher recommendation
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Electricity 2 focuses on commercial wiring. Students refine skills required for commercial wiring systems, three-phase power, transformer connections, commercial lighting and emergency power systems.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an on-site electrical construction project.

Electricity 3        grade 12            2 units
Prerequisite: Electricity 2 (min. grade 77)
Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Electricity 3 emphasizes industrial wiring. Students gain knowledge in industrial blueprint reading. Students explore and learn about motors, motor circuits, and motor controllers.

Golf Course Tech     grades 11-12    2 units
Prerequisites: Landscape Technology (min 77) or Agriculture course work, GPA 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This is a continuation of landscaping technology with a focus on landscape design, golf course management and leadership skills. Activities include irrigation system design, residential and commercial landscape design, golf course equipment operation and maintenance, landscape installation, production and maintenance. Activities include hands-on experiences with the planning and selection of materials for the construction of hardscapes, practices associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, personal and community leadership and participation in local, district, state and national FFA activities.

Health Science Tech 1   grade 11    2 units
Prerequisite: Biology 1 or another lab science and GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course will introduce students to all careers in the healthcare field including physical therapy, forensics, nursing, veterinary medicine and radiology. Students will learn skills including blood pressure, basic first aid and CPR. They will also learn about health care trends and issues. Student fees include the purchase of a blood pressure kit and membership in Health Occupation Students of America. As a HOSA member students have the opportunity to participate in various leadership and competitive events.

Health Science Tech 2   grade 12   3 units
Prerequisite: Health Occupations 1 (min. grade 77), Teacher recommendation
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Upon successful completion of Heath Science Technology 1, students will have the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge into practice in Health Science Technology 2. They will participate in clinical experiences at a local hospital, nursing home and other sites chosen by the student. The structure and function of the human body will be included in the second-year course. Student fees do not include purchase of uniforms required for clinical work. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to various clinical sites. Students may qualify for dual enrollment in the following certificate programs at Aiken Technical College: Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Hospital Unit coordinator, Ophthalmic Technician, Electrocardiology Technician, Emergency Medical Technician or Veterinary Assistant. Students must develop a project for a HOSA competition area.

Industrial Systems 1 grades 10-11 2 units
Prerequisites: GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course covers installation, maintenance and design of mechanical power transmission devices such as belt and chain drives, direct drives, gears, bearings, shafts, seals, motor controls and the use of industrial tools.

Industrial Systems 2 grades 11-12 2 units
Prerequisites: Ind. Systems Tech 1 (min. grade of 77)Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course includes the basic technology of hydraulic and pneumatic systems and motor control. This competency-based course teaches basic terminology and principles that will allow the student to understand and maintain a fluid power system.

Industrial Systems 3   grades 12     2 units
Prerequisites: Ind. Systems Tech 2 (min. grade of 77), Teacher recommendation
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course relates the concepts of IST 1 and IST 2 to the field of robotics. The students will obtain the basic mechanical principles used in modern robotic applications used in manufacturing.

Landscape Technology   grades 10-11
Prerequisites: Math for Tech 2 or Algebra 1
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course is designed to provide students knowledge and skills for jobs in landscaping industry fields or to continue in post secondary institutions. This course is the first of a two year program designed to prepare students for careers in landscaping and/or golf course industry. This course is designed around hands-on learning related to outside activities such as irrigation, forestry, wildlife, soils weather. Instruction includes experience with construction of landscapes, the mechanical practice associated with irrigation and water conservation, erosion control, implementing relevant supervised agricultural experience and participation in FFA activities.

Law Enforcement Services 1       grade 10 -11    2 units
Prerequisite: GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course includes an overview of the functions and history of law enforcement with emphasis on current laws that police officers must enforce. The study also includes the responsibility of agencies involved in the administration of justice to include police organizations, court systems, correctional systems and juvenile justice agencies.

Law Enforcement Services 2    grades 11- 12      2 units
Prerequisites: Law Enforcement Services 1 (min. grade 77), teacher recommendation and GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, Math and science
This course enables students to experience academic and practical skills needed in the area of Law Enforcement and Fire Suppression. Units of study include crime scene investigation, self-defense tactics and DUI recognition.

Machine Tool Tech 1 grades 10-11    2 units
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 , GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
The Machine Technology program is designed to prepare students to perform entry-level machine shop tasks under the supervision of an experienced machinist. Emphasis in the first-year course includes learning shop safety, identifying the parts of the machines, using various types of metal-shaping machines, reading blueprints, shop drawings, and precision measurements. Students who are interested in this course should have strong mathematical skills. Mastery of fractions and decimals is essential.

Machine Tool Tech 2 grades 11-12    2 units
Prerequisite: Machine Tool 1 (min. grade 77)   Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course continues the refinement of the skills introduced in the first-year program with special emphasis on safety. Instruction includes turning, boring and cutting threads on lathes; milling angles, flats and keyways on milling machines; cutting various kinds of metal with bandsaws; and sharpening tools with grinding machines. Students are expected to complete tasks with 99.95% accuracy.

Machine Tool Tech 3    grade 12    2 units
Prerequisite: Machine Tech 2 (min. grade of 77), Teacher recommendation,
GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This program challenges students to use basic skills and knowledge acquired in levels 1 and 2 to complete individual projects. These projects require advanced problem-solving and machining skills. Technical precision should equal or exceed 99.97% accuracy.

Networking 1            grades 10-11   2 units
Prerequisite: Math Tech 2 or Algebra 1GPA 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
This course provides an introduction to Personal Computer technology. Students will begin with an introduction to basic electronics that will familiarize them with industrial safety practices, basic electronic laws, and the operation and use of electronic test equipment. Students will learn about components that make up a personal computer, take measurements using test equipment, develop a mastery of industry standard operating systems, and learn basic system troubleshooting. Major topics covered include Windows 98, hardware upgrades, plug-n-play, system maintenance, troubleshooting as well as maintenance and service of laser printers.

Networking 2         grades 11-12      2 units
Prerequisite: Networking 1 (min. grade 77) Teacher Recommendation , GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science Students will gain understanding of network theories and investigate the basics of cabling with emphasis on standards, grounding, preparing cable ends and testing cables.   Students completing the program will have the knowledge and skills required for the successful completion of the Computer Technicians Industry Association A+ Certification exam.

Networking 3           grade 12    2 units
Prerequisite: Networking 2 (min. grade of 77), teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Networking 3 will prepare student to handle problems with network hardware and software. It provides hands-on skills addressed by networking certification programs such as Comp TIA Network+. The course includes networking basics, peer-to-peer networks, Windows Server, optical and wireless data communications and industrial network practices.

Welding Tech 1    grades 10-11    2 units
Prerequisites: GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Students are trained in three arc carbon steel welding processes: shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and flux-cored arc welding on all basic joints in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. Students learn to cut all types of structural steel with manual and semi-automatic oxy-fuel torches. Training is provided in materials preparation and fit-up of basic joints and proper welding procedure for each. Intensive application of safety procedures is enforced at all times

Welding Tech 2   grades 11-12   2 units
Prerequisite: Welding Technology 1 (min. grade 77), Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math & science
Students are trained in making groove welds in all positions, welding structures and welding procedures while fabricating projects from prints and welding them to specification. Welds are made using the SMAW, GMAW and FCAW processes. Classrooms training in print reading and welding procedures provide students with the tools, knowledge skills to effectively fabricate projects and weld them to specification. At the end of the year, students take a Weld Test in a real life job-testing environment at Aiken Technical College.

Welding Tech 3      grade 12      2 units
Prerequisite: Welding Technology 2 (min. grade 77), Teacher recommendation, GPA of 2.0 or higher in English, math and science
Students are trained in pipe welding, making v-groove and fillet welds in all positions, using shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc and gas tungsten arc welding processes. Training and testing from the Pipe Welder’s Handbook provided students with knowledge and skills need to make necessary decisions during the preparation, fit-up and welding operations. At the end of the year, students in Welding 2 and 3 take a weld test, in a real life job-testing environment at Aiken Tech.

S. T. E. P. (Skills Training Education Program)     grades 10-11
Prerequisite: Students wishing to apply for the S.T.E.P. Program must fill out an application for the Aiken County Career & Technology Center. Applicants must participate in the job-shadowing and interview process before acceptance into the program. Students are evaluated by the Career Center staff regarding their appropriate placement in the S.T.E.P. Program
S.T.E.P. is a one-year program designed for self-contained special education students who have identified an interest in five specific classes offered at ACCTC. The classes are Agricultural Science, Building Construction, Cosmetology, Health Science and Industrial Systems. In the technical area classes, the students will take notes, complete class/homework assignments, test and participate in activities when appropriate. Students will participate in group projects that replicate work situations and work to improve academic skills related to their field of interest. Students completing S.T.E.P. will be evaluated to determine if they will enter the regular career center program or participate in other transition programs offered by the Special Education Department.

Moodle | Lesson Plans | Computer Lab Sign

Careers and Technology Department

AIKEN COUNTY CAREER CENTER