Earn College Credits + Job Training: a program for high school students

The Career Tech Academy (CTA) is a year-long, hands-on training program for high school juniors and seniors from Charlotte, Halifax, and Mecklenburg Counties. Through hands-on training, students gain in-demand job skills in automation & robotics, information technology (IT), industrial technology, and welding (currently welding is only available to Halifax County students).

Students may earn high school and community college credit, a Career Studies Certificate through Danville and Southside Virginia Community Colleges, and industry recognized certifications. The CTA experience follows the framework of the Virginia Department of Education’s requirements for Profile of a Virginia Graduate, incorporating the 5 C’s: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Citizenship.

Year 1 CTA Student Experience

Year 1 students work in real workplace labs and utilize soft skills to prepare them with the knowledge and certifications required for employment in southern Virginia’s manufacturing and technology industries. Students attend classes at the SVHEC from 8:00 a.m.-10:20 a.m., Monday-Friday, then return to their home high schools for the remainder of the instructional day.

Year 2 CTA Student Experience

The focus of a Year 2 CTA student (seniors only) is to enhance the hands-on experience in the workforce through experiences including apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing or mentoring. CTA staff work collaboratively with Chambers of Commerce and regional business and industry partners to find sites for students’ work-based learning experiences. CTA students continue to heighten their skills and knowledge during instructional time while applying these skills in the workplace. A CTA instructor stays in constant communication with business partners, evaluating student progress and ensuring success.

Watch Program Videos

Automation & Robotics

Automation & Robotics teaches the principles of robotic technology and the integration of robotics into automated systems. The program’s curriculum is vendor-neutral meaning students learn how to apply the principles taught no matter what equipment they encounter in the workforce. Students may earn 19 college credits from Danville Community College, and a Career Studies Certificate.

In-demand skills acquired include:

  • Installation and configuration
  • Programming and coding
  • Troubleshooting automated and robotic systems

Automation & Robotics training will prepare you for a wide variety of jobs, including:

  • Robotics Technician
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Manufacturing Troubleshooter

Information Technology

Real workplace labs and soft skills prepare individuals with the knowledge and certifications required for employment in Southern Virginia’s growing information technology industry. Students can earn their National Career Readiness Certificate, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ certifications.

In-demand skills acquired include:
  • Hardware Repair
  • Installing & Configuring Operating Systems
  • Cable Termination & Testing
  • Wireless Networking
  • Configuring Servers
  • Managing Servers & RAID
  • Security
  • Virtualization
Information Technology training will prepare you for a wide variety of jobs, including:
  • Data Center Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • IT Specialist
  • Help Desk Support
  • PC Technician

Industrial Technology with an Energy Focus

Industrial Technology with an Energy Focus (formerly named Mechatronics) integrates knowledge of mechanical, electrical, computer and software/control engineering. The program also incorporates elements Students can earn their National Career Readiness Certificate, OSHA 10 and Siemens Level 1 credentials.

In-demand skills acquired include:

  • Electrical Circuits & Theory
  • Electrical Code
  • Conductors & Cable
  • Electrical Drawings
  • Residential Wiring
  • Motor Controls
  • Principles of Energy
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics
  • PLCs
  • Electrical & Mechanical Components
  • Digital Fundamentals

Industrial Technology training will prepare you for a wide variety of jobs, including:

  • Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technician
  • Electrician
  • Industry Machinery Mechanic
  • Maintenance & Repair
  • Smart Operator

Welding

**Please note at this time the Career Tech Academy’s Welding program is only available to Halifax County High School students.

Welding introduces students to welding principles and processes including Stick, MIG, and TIG welding. A heavy emphasis is placed on safety and students receive OSHA-10 General Safety instruction.

In-demand skills acquired include:

  • Stick welding
  • MIG welding
  • TIG welding
  • Construction math
  • Blueprint reading
  • Safety

Contact Us

To learn more, please contact:

Mecklenburg County Public Schools

Megan Hendrick, CTE Coordinator
(434) 738.6111 ext. 1031

Halifax County Public Schools

Debra Burton Woltz, CTE Coordinator
(434) 575.2013

Charlotte County Public Schools

Julianna Reeves, Guidance Counselor
(434) 542.4111 ext. 4120

For all other questions and concerns, please reach out to:

Stephanie Robinson, CTA Administrator
(434) 572.5492

Program Videos–There are five CTA program videos. Click next or back to navigate through them.

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