District School Spotlight GCCTC

The Greene County Career and Technology Center has always had a reputation of being a wonderful and successful place where students and adults within the county can go to gain knowledge and experience in nearly every career via a vocational program of their choosing. Students can earn college credits while still in high school… but a more career-minded student can take advantage of trainings, certifications, and employment opportunities that are offered.

From the second you step in the front door, the halls are bustling; students moving from room to room, on their way to classes, headed to meetings, and staff members readily available for whatever might be needed… but when you step into a classroom, it’s clear that focusing on the task at hand is the number one priority. The coursework is taken very seriously, regardless of what program you’re walking into. The Culinary Arts program, for example, holds itself to an extremely high standard. The rules and guidelines that must be followed when in the kitchen and dining area are non-negotiable, as the entire process of food making, from safety and prepping to order taking and clean up, depends on meticulous attention to detail. It goes without saying though that they do a phenomenal job – just ask anyone who has eaten a meal prepared by the students!

Electrical Occupations teaches all the basics of electricity, like the installation and circuits, switches, circuit breakers, and other electrical devices. Students who leave this course have the potential to obtain careers with businesses like electric companies and telephone networks, doing jobs such as phone, cable, and television installation, just to name a few. The Auto Collision program teaches all the basics when it comes to refinishing the body of a vehicle. Replacing parts, repairing damage, mixing and spraying paint, and installation of trim and glass are just some of the skills these students acquire. They also offer their services including car washes to the CTC staff. All of these practices give them valuable experience that help them land jobs like body shop owners, automotive insurance adjusters, and more!

The Emergency Services program encompasses everything under public safety; from police officers, to firefighters, to EMT’s – here is where you learn about emergency vehicle and equipment operations, pre-hospital emergency medical care, fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency management, and more. There just so happens to be a crown jewel of the Emergency Services program, but it doesn’t have four wheels… instead, it has four paws! Rocco, a retired search and rescue German Shepard spends his days with the students. The class also has a puppy in training, Bodie, who is learning the search and rescue ropes too!

The Cosmetology program has consistently been a popular choice. With trends in the beauty industry continuously changing and progressing, it makes sense that there is always a high number of students enrolled year after year. Coursework comprised of hands-on training in every aspect of the profession puts students in the daily role of a cosmetologist. And it’s not just shampoos, cuts, and styling anymore… it’s the sterilization of tools, administering facials, manicures, learning about ethnic haircare, and how to manage a salon, too. No stone is left unturned in this program, which is why it is so successful.

Students enrolled in the Precision Machining program do some extremely impressive work. Extensive use of math and blueprints, combined with knowledge of all the characteristics of metal and other materials, puts them right where they need to be for success when it comes to cutting those materials to size to form mechanical units and machines.

And if all that positivity wasn’t enough, there’s more! Coal mining company Iron Senergy recently donated an additional building to the Greene County CTC. The 16,000-square-foot space and surrounding 47-acre property in Franklin Township is already being used as second campus. The 12-month Practical Nursing program made itself at home there, with plans for the LPN program to move in very soon, subsequently allowing for the expansion of the cosmetology and welding classes at the original location. Plans for the new space include introducing heavy equipment operations and commercial driver’s license courses. The opportunities that will be available to the GCCTC students because of this generous donation, really are abundant.

The goal of the Greene County Career and Technology Center has always been providing quality career-technical education programs and services that prepare youth and adults for success in the workplace, postsecondary, and community, now and in the future. With the currently thriving curriculum, and the impending new and exciting programs at a new location, there is no doubt that the many successes of GCCTC and its students will continue to unfold.