CATEC March 2024 Newsletter

There are lots of ways to know what is happening at CATEC. Keep in touch with us to know what our students are doing and all the ways we are working to improve our local workforce.

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Dear CATEC Students and Families,

Spring is here and we are entering one of the most exciting times of the year as our students prepare for certification testing and we get ready for big events like job interviews, School-to-Work Signing Day, and Completers' Ceremony. CATEC is a special place with remarkable students and it is so rewarding to see them reach their goals.

On March 5th, our instructors met with local business partners in continued efforts to build community partnerships with employers who off internships and jobs to our students. These meetings give great insight in how curriculum evolves to meet employer needs and puts into motion hiring events for our students this spring.

CATEC presents students with a unique opportunity to learn a trade, but we also work to prepare our students for the workplace by focusing on workplace readiness skills including résumé preparation and interviewing opportunities.

Please mark your family calendars for upcoming events:

• April 17- May 1: Interview Events at CATEC
• May 14: School-to-Work Signing Day at CATEC
• May 22: Completers' Ceremony at Monticello High School

Thank you,

Dr. Stacey Heltz

April 1-5- Spring Break

April 17- May1- Interview Events at CATEC

April 29- Teacher Work Day

May 14- School-to-Work Signing Day at CATEC

May 22- Completers' Ceremony at Monticello High School

CATEC values making sure students leave our building with the technical skills and workplace skills necessary for entering the workforce. CATEC has implemented a "CATEC Students Are Professional" mantra to ensure students understand what it takes to be successful in our building and in the workforce. Students are expected to act in accordance with industry standards and practice the 22 21st Century Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth. In March, students worked on listening and thinking, technology and information literacy, big picture thinking and continuous learning skills. Additionally, students participate in monthly Career Development sessions where they practice skills needed to get jobs and keep them to create a lasting career including resume writing and job interviews this month! Some students also took the Workplace Readiness Skills assessment.

Each month, we introduce you to two current CATEC students. Here at CATEC, we know our student body is diverse and interesting and we want to share their stories with our community.

Peyton Abell is an 11th grader from Western Albemarle High School who studies Veterinary Science at CATEC. She chose CATEC's Vet Science program because her family farms and she wants to know more about animals. She is interested in becoming a large-animal vet after graduation. When not in school, Peyton plays softball for WAHS.

Johnathan Johnson is an 11th grader from Monticello High School who is finishing his second year of Electricity. Last summer he worked as an Electrician's Helper for Old Dominion Mechanical. As he wraps up his CATEC course as an 11th grader, he hopes to continue working towards his journeyman's license in CATEC's Adult Education Apprenticeship program.

Curriculum

CATEC's two-year Automotive Service Technology program is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)- and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-accredited program that is in high demand and expanding. Students learn all aspects of automotive repair, safety, and customer service by concentrating on the eight automotive areas needed to become an ASE-certified master technician. Students extensively practice shop and personal safety. They identify and demonstrate usage of tools and equipment, research vehicle and service information and history, and prepare vehicles for service and for the customer. Students develop skills in inspecting engine assembly, repair, and performance. They study lubrication, cooling systems, transmissions, brakes, and electrical systems. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to take and pass ASE exams and will be prepared for post-secondary education opportunities.

Credentials

They can earn up to 10 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) industry credentials. ASE industry testing is specially designed to evaluate and certify students who are studying in the automotive service industry. Students can also earn SP/2, AC Delco, and Ford certifications, as well as earn their VA State Inspection license when they turn 18. These credentials make CATEC Auto Service Technology students marketable to local shops both during and after graduation.

Local Partnerships

The Auto Service Technology program has a robust Advisory Board, which has donated large and small equipment in recent years. The program has had vehicles donated from dealerships as well as lifts. In addition to equipment donations, local automotive shops hire CATEC Auto Service Technology students for internships. Many of these students continue employment after they complete their CATEC program. This year, all students participated in job interview opportunities and most students took advantage of job shadowing and internships. These opportunities are made possible by local businesses that are willing to take CATEC students into their shops and teach them.

Projected Job Growth

The CATEC Automotive Service Technology program has a dual-enrollment agreement with Reynolds Community College and articulation agreements with University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC).On average, Virginia boasts a higher annual income for automotive service technicians than the national average with a projected 11% job growth.

Mr. Richardson has worked in the Automotive field since 2004 and is an ASE Master Technician, as well as a Certified Safety Inspector. He was 100% GM-trained while being a Team Leader and Head Technician at Jim Price Chevrolet. Mr. Richardson is an adjunct professor for Reynolds Community College and, as such, his Automotive Service Technology students receive dual-enrollment college credits. When asked why he loves what he does, Mr. Richardson says, “This is one of the only trades that is constantly changing; nothing stays the same. You are always learning something new. When I worked in the industry, I enjoyed having students from CATEC come to Price Chevy. Being able to train them while they were on a job shadow or apprenticeship was a great opportunity.”

CATEC offers Adult Education and Apprenticeship training that covers a range of technical education courses. The career and technical offerings will help lifelong learners: enhance current skills, gain new knowledge for increased job marketability, continue life-long learning, make life more enjoyable, or simply have fun. CATEC provides a positive place for post-secondary learning. Apprenticeship programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and provide employer sponsors and their employees with the required related technical instruction hours needed to satisfy a full Apprenticeship program. Watch a video here.

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Email: heltzs1@charlottesvilleschools.org
Website: www.catec.org
Location: 1000 Rio Road East, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Phone: 434-973-4461
Facebook: facebook.com/CATECHighSchool
Twitter: @CATEChs