The Industrial Technology Academy educates and trains students to meet industry needs and exceed standards with pathways focused on construction, drafting, engineering technology, welding, manufacturing, automotive, computer integrated machining and industrial technology. View detailed descriptions for courses offered in the Industrial Technology Academy below.

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Industrial Technology Academy Course Descriptions:

Advanced Metals (2 credits PAR, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 8133

Prerequisite: General Metals

This advanced course in metalworking is designed to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of tools, equipment, materials, processes, maintenance, and equipment setup in the metalworking industry. Safety glasses are required.

Advanced Woods (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 8118

Prerequisite: Foundations of Wood Technology

This advanced course will reinforce students’ skills and knowledge related to carpentry and cabinetmaking. Topics covered in the course include: care and safe usage of equipment and machines; materials; fasteners; hand and power tools; and fabrication based on blueprints. This course gives students additional skills and knowledge typically required for apprentice carpenters.

Architectural Drafting (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 8105

This course in drafting deals with the principals involved in site selection, room planning, exterior styling, designing structural elements of house dwellings, and computer graphics as it relates to architectural drawing. Students will be introduced to various construction methods, building materials, and terminology used in the architectural fields. Preparation of a complete set of plans and specifications for a house of traditional and/or contemporary design will be required in a CADD environment

Automotive Collision Repair I – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8503

Prerequisite: Advanced Metals

This course is the first year of a two-year program at Herndon Career Center designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs repairing and refinishing collision damaged vehicles. Employment opportunities exist in automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, specialty shops or fleet operations. Emphasis is placed on classroom instruction during the first year of the program while students work toward industry-recognized certifications from the Inter-Industry on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Pittsburg Paint and Glass (PPG), and Audatex Estimating System (ADP). Lab experiences develop personal pride and craftsmanship using hand tools, power tools, welding and refinishing equipment.

Automotive Collision Repair II – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 12) Course Number: 8502

Prerequisite: Automotive Collision Repair I

This course is the second year of a two-year program at Herndon Career Center designed to further develop the skills needed for entry-level or advanced positions in the automotive collision industry. Employment opportunities demand trained technicians who can use the changing technology in the auto collision field. Students will spend the majority of their time in the lab mastering the technical skills necessary to repair customer-owned, late-model vehicles with collision damage.

Automotive Technology I – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8523

Prerequisite: Advanced Metals

This course is the first year of a two-year program at Herndon Career Center intended to prepare students for entry-level jobs as technicians in maintenance and repair of passenger cars and light trucks. Students will have both classroom instruction and laboratory experiences with approximately 60% of the time devoted to classroom instruction. Proficiency in use of automotive service tools and instruction in the more advanced scientific and mechanical principles on the automobile will be an important part of the training experience.

Automotive Technology II – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 12) Course Number: 8524

Prerequisite: Automotive Technology I

This is the second year of a two-year program at Herndon Career Center intended to prepare students for entry-level employment as technicians in the maintenance and repair of passenger cars and light trucks. Approximately 75% of the time will be spent repairing customer-owned vehicles with special emphasis in the use of test equipment for the purpose of diagnosing engine malfunction, steering-suspension and alignment adjustment, as well as air-conditioning repair. Classroom instruction will involve the introduction of technical information pertaining to the power plant, powertrain, automotive electronics, transmissions, and automotive air conditioning.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12, weighted) Course Number: 8119

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students can earn a virtual manufacturing badge recognized by the National Manufacturing Badge System.

Computer Integrated Machining and Manufacturing I (4 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8802

Prerequisite: Advanced Metals or Introduction to Engineering Design

This course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus is designed to introduce the student to the manufacturing environment, requirements, and career opportunities of major technologies in the industry. The course will cover the history, setting of manufacturing and industry, safety, drawing, measurement and layout, and an introduction to basic shop equipment.   

Computer Integrated Machining & Manufacturing II (4 credits PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8804

Prerequisite: Computer Integrated Machining & Manufacturing I

This course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus covers the safe use of basic shop power equipment and hand tools. Students will learn precision measurement methods. The course is designed for students in engineering disciplines and serves as a prerequisite for supervised use of the Engineering Student Machine Shop. 

Construction Trades I (4 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8250

Prerequisite: Advanced Woods

This half day course provides students the opportunity to extend their skills and knowledge related to residential and commercial carpentry. Topics covered in the course include: installation and trim of windows and doors; installation and repair of gypsum wallboard; advanced site layout; exterior and interior finish work; and thermal and moisture protection. This course gives students a substantial skill and knowledge foundation typically required for apprentice carpenters.

Construction Trades II (4 credits PAR, Gr. 12) Course Number: 8252

Prerequisite: Construction Trades I

This second level, half day course provides students additional opportunities to refine their skills and knowledge related to residential and commercial carpentry. Topics covered in the course include: installation and trim of windows and doors; installation and repair of gypsum wallboard; advanced site layout; exterior and interior finish work; and thermal and moisture protection. This course gives students a substantial skill and knowledge foundation typically required for apprentice carpenters.

Design Thinking (1-2 credits ELE, Gr. 12) Course Number: 5126

Prerequisite: Approved Capstone Project 

This capstone is a project that allows students to learn about themselves by moving an idea or dream toward a topic of interest, specialization, community need, or career choice. As part of this course, all students must complete a capstone experience which may include, but is not limited to: senior project, virtual enterprise, internship, externship, work-based learning, service learning, community service, etc.

Engineering Graphics (1 credit PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) Course Number: 8121

Prerequisite: Machine Drafting

This is an advanced course in technical drafting through mechanical processes with a CADD environment. Course topics will include sketching, projection, drawing layout, drafting standards and conventions, dimensioning, sectioning and auxiliaries. Foundations for CADD consist of file management, drawing commands, editing commands, layering conventions, blocks, dimensioning and plotting. 

Engineering Technology I (4 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8806

Prerequisite: Mechanical Drafting

This course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus provides an introduction to engineering communications and basic computer aided drafting/design (CADD). Emphasis will be placed on technical sketching, orthographic projection, drawing layout, drafting and CADD standards and conventions, dimensioning, sectioning, annotation, and basic design principles. Students will develop a foundation for computer aided drafting/design including file management, basic drawing and editing commands, layering, blocks and wblocks, dimensioning, polylines, hatching, and plotting.

Engineering Technology II (4 credits PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8808

Prerequisite: Engineering Technology I

This course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus focuses on advanced engineering communications and basic computer aided drafting/design (CADD). Additional emphasis will be placed on technical sketching, orthographic projection, drawing layout, drafting and CADD standards and conventions, dimensioning, sectioning, annotation, and basic design principles. Students will further develop their foundation for computer aided drafting/design including file management, basic drawing and editing commands, layering, blocks and wblocks, dimensioning, polylines, hatching, and plotting.

Foundations of Wood Technology (1 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11) Course Number: 8109

This fundamental course stresses the development of tools, machine safety, and skills. Students will gain knowledge in the safe use of hand and power tools, machines, career exploration, project planning, problem-solving, and applied math and science. Students will have an understanding for the awareness of industry employment expectations, job outlooks, and educational requirements. This is a project-oriented course in wood working where students will be assigned to construct medium sized project. Students will be required to have safety glasses and 3-ring binder.

General Metals (1 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11) Course Number: 8131

This fundamental course in metalworking is designed to give students a basic understanding of shop math, tools, equipment, materials, and processes within the metalworking industry. Safety glasses are required.

Industrial Engineering I (4 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8810

Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering or General Metals

This course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus is designed to present the fundamentals of the care and maintenance on a wide range of industrial equipment, including chain and gear drives, couplings, and fluid power equipment. Additionally, lubricants and lubrication of industrial equipment will be covered, as well as, the replacement of seals and bearings. Correct application and selection of hand and power tools will be taught. Basic motor alignment, including laser alignment, will be introduced. 

Industrial Engineering II (4 credits PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8811

Prerequisite: Industrial Engineering I

This second level course at Metropolitan Community College – Business and Technology Campus is designed to further explore the care and maintenance on a wide range of industrial equipment, including chain and gear drives, couplings, and fluid power equipment. Additionally, lubricants and lubrication of industrial equipment will be covered, as well as, the replacement of seals and bearings. Correct application and selection of hand and power tools will be taught. Basic motor alignment, including laser alignment, will be introduced. 

Industrial Welding I – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit MTH or SCI, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8535

Prerequisite: Advanced Metals

This course at Herndon Career Center is the first year of a two-year program that prepares students to meet the American Welding Society’s entry-level employment requirements or pursue post-secondary training. Laboratory work includes basic flame cutting, oxy-fuel welding and shielded metal arc welding of mild steels. Classroom instruction covers welding theory, terminology, techniques, measuring and mathematics. Safety, work ethic and employability skills are emphasized at all times.

Industrial Welding II – 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit MTH or SCI, Gr. 12) Course Number: 8536

Prerequisite: Industrial Welding I

This course at Herndon Career Center is the second year of a two-year program that prepares students to meet the American Welding Society’s entry-level employment requirements or pursue post-secondary training. Major units of study include advanced shielded metal arc welding (structural and pipe), plus gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and plasma arc cutting on carbon, stainless steel and aluminum. Classroom instruction covers advanced welding theory, blueprint reading, and layout and fit-up. Safety, work ethic, employability skills, quality of work and pride in workmanship are emphasized at all times.

Machine Drafting (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8107

Prerequisite: Mechanical Drafting or Architectural Drafting

This advanced course in drafting, emphasizes the techniques and skills gained through basic drawing courses as applied to industrial parts. The course is organized in a way to allow creativity in design while still learning drafting standards and technical information in a computer graphics environment.

Machine Technology I (4 credits PAR, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 8135

Prerequisite: Advanced Metals

The course in machine technology prepares students for employment in a machine shop or related field. Each student will have the opportunity to learn how to properly operate and use the basic machines and hand tools located in most shops. The use of CNC machines will also be used to produce projects related to the industry. The correct handling and reading of precision measuring tools will be included in the course. Basic shop math and blue-print interpretation will be taught.

Machine Technology II (4 credits PAR, Gr. 12) Course Number: 8137

Prerequisite: Machine Technology I

This advanced course in machine technology emphasizes the construction of special tools, jigs, fixtures and dyes. Each student will be able to gain additional knowledge and skills in using hand tools, precision measuring tools, and also operating the power machines. Individual study will be designed to coincide with the special tool a student selects to construct his/her major project. Students will be taught how to interpret working drawings and construct projects to meet drawing specifications.

Mechanical Drafting (1 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12) Course Number: 8103

This is an introduction to mechanical drafting. The course will emphasize the fundamentals of drafting with paper and pencil. Course topics will include: sketching, projection, drawing layout, drafting standards, conventions, dimensioning, sectioning and basic design principles.  

Principles of Engineering (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12, weighted) Course Number: 8101

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design

Recommended Concurrent Course: Algebra II

This course explores the wide variety of careers in engineering, technology systems, and manufacturing processes. Using activities, projects and problems, students will learn first-hand how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. PLTW is a nationally recognized engineering curriculum being offered through the Independence School District. For more information regarding PLTW go to www.pltw.org.

Unmanned Flight Safety & Operation (2 credits PAR, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 8826

The drone market is exploding. This course will provide valuable learning experiences for anyone entering the utilities field, aviation, marketing, building maintenance, shipping, and many more careers. Course curriculum will be through the Unmanned Safety Institute, a premier instructional group for unmanned flight. This course follows Project Lead the Way’s Aerospace Engineering class and provides the opportunity to earn certification to fly a drone. 

VT Diesel Mechanic I (4 Credits, PAR, Gr 11-12) Course Number 8507

This course is the first year of a two-year program intended to prepare students as entry-level technicians working on heavy construction equipment, trucks, industrial plant vehicles and agricultural equipment. Instruction will involve practice in the maintenance, service, repair, and overhaul of equipment such as engines, power trains, controls and other components on buses, heavy trucks, and earth moving equipment, agricultural equipment, lift trucks, and stationary power plants.

VT Diesel Mechanic II (4 Credits, PAR, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Diesel, Industrial and Agricultural Mechanics I with a grade of C or better, 90% attendance and instructor recommendation.

This course is the second year of a two-year program designed to prepare students as entry level technicians working on heavy construction equipment, trucks, industrial plan vehicles, and agricultural equipment.