AREA NINTH GRADERS TOUR THE ICTC

(December 12, 2008)... The students and instructors at the Indiana County Technology Center have been working hard in preparation for the ninth grade tours this year. The ninth grade students from all of the sending schools visit the Technology Center for a day while exploring the fourteen program areas. For the tours each program area prepares a small demonstration of what the students learn as they attend the ICTC for their specific program area.

This year while visiting the different areas the students are viewing many unique demonstrations. Machining Technology demonstrated to the students how they cut a twelve toothed gear from a piece of metal and they also showed the ninth grade students how they are able to make the threads that are on a screw.

Electrical Occupations was lighting the way with a new and unique way to show the students exactly what electricity is all about. While speaking with Mr. Tim Lutton, Electrical Occupations Instructor about ninth grade tours, he shared that electricity is difficult to demonstrate because you are unable to hear, see, or smell it and safety is critical. When the students walked into the room, they were soon greeted by the many colored lights that were hung throughout the room to show all that electricity does. Each and every Electrical Occupations student was involved in the entire demonstration, even while they were having fun by frying the pickles with electrical wires.

Graphics and Electronic Media showed the students a fast-paced movie that highlighted different equipment that is used and also displayed many innovative examples of what the students can create in this program. Students also got to volunteer to get some hands on experience on how to apply a vehicle graphic to a car hood.

Health Occupations Technology demonstrated the proper use of a lift while placing patients in a bed. They also had students use proper hand washing and perform the necessary steps when extracting DNA from a strawberry. Each program had many projects on display and also allowed the ninth grade students to see projects in process.

During the lunch time several current students and a few former ICTC students spoke with the ninth grade students about their careers, their career planning process and how the ICTC has impacted their lives. A former Welding Technology student, Justin Clouser, shared his experiences at the ICTC and outlined how an articulation agreement earned him four credits at Pennsylvania College of Technology. As a graduate of Penn College with an Associate Degree, he is now employed at Joy Manufacturing. Ashlee Lanning, former Computer Systems Technology student spoke about her experiences and how the ICTC Articulation Agreement with Westmoreland County Community College earned her six credits toward her Associate Degree. Current students, Megan Hall, Collision Repair Technology student and Tiffany Bozo, Auto Technology both from Saltsburg High School spoke about the role of women in nontraditional careers and used their example to motivate the ninth grade students to explore all career pathways.

Ninth grade students that are interested in exploring a program area at the ICTC further can sign up for a shadowing experience through their school counselor.

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