Vista CA— North County Trade Tech High School is developing a manufacturing and product development track with a $35,000 grant awarded by the California Department of Education. The school, located at 1126 North Melrose Drive in Vista, expects the new curriculum to be available to incoming students starting this fall.
Three new courses will be developed incorporating a strong STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) element including Graphics Design and Modeling, Manufacturing and Product Development Level 1 and Level 2. They will be designed to prepare students for a future in the manufacturing industry and build their skills in product development in woods, metals and plastics. Students will have the opportunity to use state of the art equipment and integrate technology into their projects. Trade Tech graduates will be prepared to continue their educations at colleges, universities or institutes and regional training centers offering post-secondary manufacturing education.
The nine-month Specialized Secondary Programs grant provides funds for new and advanced learning programs in high schools. The Specialized Secondary Programs grants were awards to 17 schools and a total of $595,000.
One partnership with the Machinist Technology Program at MiraCosta College is already beginning to take shape as manufacturing program discussions began more than a year ago. Another is with the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum in Carlsbad which shares Trade Tech’s interest in seeing this generation of students becoming skilled in the use of manufacturing tools and using their imaginations and creativity to continue the legacy that built the American Dream.
“We are modeling our Trade Tech curriculum on successful college programs,” explains Trade Tech Principal Phil Lutgen. “This approach ensures our students are very well prepared for post-secondary opportunities and positioned for career success. Just as we have done with our successful construction-oriented curriculum since 2009, we’ll plan to combine hands-on, project learning with traditional classroom instruction and encourage partnerships with industry too.”
The San Diego manufacturing community has shown high interest in the program, including the San Diego North Economic Development Council, the Vista Chamber of Commerce and many local businesses. Trade Tech will work with these companies to develop a program of study to prepare skilled labor for all levels of their workforce, from skilled technicians to degreed engineers. The planning grant will specifically allow for Trade Tech staff to meet with industry professionals to develop rigorous classes that will meet both the A to G requirements of California’s state colleges and universities as well as the needs of employers.
About North County Trade Tech High School
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), North County Trade Tech High School is the region’s innovative charter school that combines college prep with career tech focused on construction, engineering, architecture and green building trades, with a manufacturing and product development track in development for fall 2015. Located on N. Melrose Drive in Vista, Trade Tech is tuition-free, not-for-profit and currently accepting ninth- through twelfth-grade students. More information can be found at www.tradetechhigh.org or by calling 760-598-0782.