Merrillville CTE

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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MERRILLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Career Interest Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

CTE Director

Resources

Mr. Bob Phelps Director of Career & Technical Eucation bob.phelps@mvsc.k12.in.us

Merrillville Cte DIRECTORS

STEM / Information Tech

Human Services / Public Safety

Arts, AV Tech & Communications

Advanced Manufacturing

Architecture & Construction

Hospitality & Tourism

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

Health Sciences

Education & Training

Business

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Merrillville Cte CLUSTERS

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

Welding Technology

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Advanced Manufacturing

CERTIFICATIONS/ Dual credit

Joseph Sokol jsokol@mvsc.k12.in.us

Advanced Manufacturing

PATHWAY:

Welding Technology

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Our welding program provides the foundation and exposure to a profession which offers great pay and is in high demand. The Principles of Welding course is the introduction to the craft, where students learn the fundamentals of welding and cutting processes. In Shielded Metal Arc Welding, students develop their skills to prepare for industry recognized certifications. In Gas Welding Processes, students diversify their skillset with additional methods commonly used in the industry. Coursework also includes blueprint reading, OSHA safety training, and layout work for a well-rounded experience. No prior welding knowledge or experience is needed--just a willingness to work with your hands and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.

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MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

Construction Trades: Carpentry

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architecture & construction

Max Sokol max.sokol@mvsc.k12.in.us

CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Terrell Taylor ttaylor@mvsc.k12.in.us

Architecture and Construction

PATHWAY:

Construction trades - carpentry

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Students will be taught the basic skills needed to continue in a construction trade field. Topics include an introduction to common hand and power tools, the basics associated with construction drawings, and basic safety. Students will study the roles of individuals and companies within the construction industry and reinforce mathematical and communication skills. From there, students will build upon the skills learned and examine the basics of framing. Additional topics include building envelope systems, advanced framing skills, interior and exterior finishing techniques, roofing applications, thermal and moisture protection and much more.

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Radio and TV Broadcasting

Digital Design

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

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Arts, av tech & Communications

Joshua Metz jmetz@mvsc.k12.in.us

Arts, AV Tech and Comm

PATHWAY:

Digital design

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Digital Design pathway is an excellent opportunity to hone your creative talents and skill sets into a marketable trade. Your portfolio starts here! Learn how to turn that creative spark into an income generating skillset or business. Through this pathway, students will learn design necessities, such as: color theory, font design, layout juxtaposition, vector/raster graphics, creative problem solving, critical peer review, presentation skills, basic photographic theory, and many other art synergetic skillsets to grow and flourish as a successful professional designer.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Arts, AV Tech and Comm

PATHWAY:

Neal Klaeser neal.klaeser@mvsc.k12.in.us

Brian Past bpast@mvsc.k12.in.us

Radio & Television Broadcasting

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Our broadcasting program prepares students for admission to production programs at the college level and helps develop skills essential for success in the media industry. Students train on professional equipment creating a variety of video projects. They develop oral and written communication skills, equipment operating abilities, and integral teamwork skills. Students will learn all aspects of video and audio production, including writing, producing, and editing for various types of media. They will spend their time in the television studio, control room, and editing lab, and shoot projects around the school.

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Entrepreneurship

Accounting

Marketing & Sales

Business Administration

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

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business

Business (Finance)

PATHWAY:

Kathleen Murray Kathleen.Murray@mvsc.k12.in.us

Accounting

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Accounting Pathway examines business ownership, organization principles and problems, management, control facilities, administration, financial management, and development practices of business enterprises. Emphasis is placed on accounting principles as they relate to both manual and automated financial systems. This program involves understanding, analyzing, and recording business transactions and preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial reports as a basis for decisionmaking.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Business

PATHWAY:

Daniel Klimczak daniel.klimczak@mvsc.k12.in.us

David Pritt dpritt@mvsc.k12.in.us

Kathleen Murray Kathleen.Murray@mvsc.k12.in.us

Business Administration

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

In the Business Administration pathway, students will explore various legal aspects of business including the forms of ownership, liability protection, and succession planning. Students will learn about the history of management and the management theories that are central to business operations today. Through evaluation of management styles and techniques, students will determine the management style they believe would suit them best. Accounting and analytical skills will teach them how to run a business most effectively. The Business Administration pathway sets students up for success as they develop a keen understanding of business management.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Business

David Pritt dpritt@mvsc.k12.in.us

PATHWAY:

Daniel Klimczak daniel.klimczak@mvsc.k12.in.us

Kathleen Murray Kathleen.Murray@mvsc.k12.in.us

Marketing & Sales

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Through the Marketing and Sales pathway, students will gain knowledge regarding the management and operation of business enterprises while applying business concepts. Students will practice oral and written communications, mathematical applications, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through the development of an integrated marketing plan and other projects while gaining experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). Upon completion of this pathway, they will be able to utilize psychological principles of consumer behavior to evaluate and create marketing materials.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Business

PATHWAY:

Anne Dines adines@mvsc.k12.in.us

Entrepreneurship

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Courses in the Entrepreneurship pathway lay a foundation for launching your own business. Students will learn what makes an effective business manager and evaluate different management styles and techniques. Through self-evaluation exercises, students will determine if you are naturally inclined to be a successful entrepreneur; and if not, what characteristics they would want to cultivate. When students complete this pathway, they will be armed with a formal business plan and a sound understanding of what it takes to run a business.

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Early Childhood

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

Education Careers

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education & Training

CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Education and Training

PATHWAY:

Early childhood

Sara Richmond srichmond@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The early childhood pathway gives students the ability to work hands-on with young children in a daycare setting. The students spend half their time in the classroom and the other half in the daycare setting. During class, students will work on putting together their portfolios that are needed to achieve their Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate. At the completion of the pathway, students can apply for the CDA certificate and have the confidence to pass. The certificate will open many opportunities, and many will be able to work in a daycare setting right after high school.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Education and Training

PATHWAY:

Education Careers

Sara Richmond srichmond@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Students will have an immersive experience in the field of teaching. In conjunction with coursework, students will enter different classrooms throughout the corporation to build an understanding of a career in education. This pathway is excellent for any student who may be considering teaching as a profession.

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Exercise Science

Biomedical Sciences and Technology

Pre-Nursing CNA

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

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Health sciences

CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Angelique Todd, BSN atodd@mvsc.k12.in.us

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Health Sciences

PATHWAY:

Pre-nursing (Cna)

Jamia Bourne jbourne@mvsc.k12.in.us

Brandi Lawrence-Knocke, ASN bknocke@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

This training program offers an introduction into the healthcare field with an emphasis on entry-level employment as a nursing assistant and/or advanced careers through continued education. This immersive program is specifically designed to prepare the student for the fundamentals of patient care with a strong focus on assisting patients with activities of daily living, transfers and positioning, safety in healthcare, vital sign measurements, intake and output measurement, restorative care, communication, and basic life-saving skills.

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Health Sciences

PATHWAY:

Exercise science

Jacob Van Doren jvandoren@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Athletic Training is designed for students to assume the role of an athletic trainer assistant and practice using the technical skills and information learned in the classroom. This course prepares students with the knowledge and skills essential for providing basic first aid and CPR/AED. Throughout this course, students will focus on learning about the prevention, rehabilitation and care of injuries sustained during sports activities. They will also learn taping techniques on injured athletes that allow them to continue playing. Other topics include the healthcare system, employment opportunities at a variety of entry levels, and the legal and ethical considerations of working in the healthcare field.

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Health Sciences

PATHWAY:

biomedical sciences & technology

Heather Oaks heather.oaks@mvsc.k12.in.us

Neerja Prasad nprasad@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The complete three-course PLTW BioMedical Pathway is lab-heavy, scenario-based and focuses on human body systems, diseases and medical interventions. Students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments to prolong a person's life. They focus on key biological concepts including homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance, feedback, and defense against disease. Students use engineering principles including design process, feedback loops, fluid dynamics, and relationship of structure to function in order to solve medical problems. They learn to perform techniques such as DNA extraction, blood typing, microbiology culture, antibiotic evaluation, PCR, ELISA, DNA microarray, Gram staining, chromosome spread, karyotyping, transplantation, CRISPR, and electrophoresis. They are trained in the principles of phlebotomy and stopping a bleed and much more!

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MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

Culinary Arts

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hospitality & tourism

CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Patti Tubbs ptubbs@mvsc.k12.in.us

Terri Nichols-Bullock terri.nicholsbullock@mvsc.k12.in.us

Hospitality & Tourism

PATHWAY:

Culinary arts

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Hospitality and Tourism Cluster prepares learners for careers in the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services; lodging; attractions; recreational events; and travel-related services. Travel and tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world, creating 12.5 million new jobs each year and paying more than $1.6 trillion in wages and salaries.

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Criminal Justice

Human and Social Services

Fire and Rescue

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

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human services / public safety

Torey Dabney-Houseworth tdabneyhouseworth@mvsc.k12.in.us

Human Services / Public Safety

PATHWAY:

Criminal justice

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Criminal Justice covers the purposes, functions, and history of the three primary parts of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This course further explores the interrelationships and responsibilities of these three primary elements of the criminal justice system.

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Human Services / Public Safety

PATHWAY:

Human and social services

Marc Ulrich mulrich@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Human and Social Services Pathway consists of four courses: Principles of Human Services, Understanding Diversity, Relationships and Emotions, and the Human Services Capstone course. All of these courses provide opportunities to increase effectiveness in helping others. Students who are interested in serving the needs of people will benefit from this course of study. In Human Services, we are focused on five career pathways: Personal Care Services, Family & Community Services, Consumer Services, Counseling & Mental Health, and Early Childhood Development & Services.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Human Services / Public Safety

PATHWAY:

fire and rescue

James Sopher jsopher@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

This course will introduce students to the history, terminology, and basic firefighting skills for a beginning firefighter. They will study what a fire is, how a fire behaves, chemical hazards of combustion, related by-products of a fire and basic firefighting skills needed to extinguish a fire while protecting themselves and other firefighters. Students will also gain the knowledge and hands-on practical skills for managing and controlling hazardous materials incidents required for the certifications. Additionally, students will gain a better understanding of a fire department organization, administration, operations, and basic strategies and tactics.

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Engineering - Digital Electronics

Computer Science

Design Technology

Networking

Information Technology Operations

MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

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Stem / information technology

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STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Andrew Niksich aniksich@mvsc.k12.in.us

David Pritt dpritt@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

This pathway is a great choice for students that want to create a video game, use their entrepreneurial skills to set up an online business, help keep computer networks safe from cyber attacks, or work with a professional sports team as a data analyst. These classes will help prepare you for the next level of your educational career in the ever-changing world of technology. If you like to work with computers, enjoy problem-solving with technology, and don't mind making mistakes or errors (because we can always debug/fix the code), this could be the pathway for you!

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Continue Reading +

CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

Joe Hussey jhussey@mvsc.k12.in.us

STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

Design technology

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Design Technology Pathway provides students with a basic understanding of creating working drawings related to manufacturing detailing and assembly as well as a survey of architectural design focused on the creative design of buildings. From an architecture perspective, this program covers problems of site analysis, facilities programming, space planning, conceptual design, proper use of materials, and selection of structure and construction techniques. Students have a choice between two advanced courses, Manufacturing Principles & Design, and BIM Architecture.

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CERTIFICATIONS/ dual credit

STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

Design Technology

Joe Hussey jhussey@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Design Technology Pathway provides students with a basic understanding of creating working drawings related to manufacturing detailing and assembly as well as a survey of architectural design focused on the creative design of buildings. From an architecture perspective, this course covers problems of site analysis, facilities programming, space planning, conceptual design, proper use of materials, and selection of structure and construction techniques. The advanced course will challenge to use 2D and 3D CAD skills to explore topics related to manufacturing principles and design. Students will gain an understanding of solid modeling and parametric solid modeling and use 3D printers to create industry part prints.

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STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

Information technology operations

Andrew Niksich aniksich@mvsc.k12.in.us

Aaron Longacre ajlongacre@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Information Technology pathway allows students to learn the theoretical and hands-on skills needed to get a leg up on a technical school or job right out of high school. A+ and Cisco networking academy certifications will be obtainable by completing this pathway. The IT Essentials curriculum provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level information and communication technology (ICT) professionals. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional.

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STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

Engineering - Digital Electronics

Aaron Longacre ajlongacre@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

The Engineering Digital Electronics Pathway is a course of study in applied digital logic that encompasses the design and application of electronic circuits and devices found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. Instruction includes the application of engineering and scientific principles to solve design problems. Using computer software that reflects current industry standards, activities will provide opportunities for students to design, construct, test, and analyze simple and complex digital circuitry software that will be used to develop and evaluate the product design. This pathway engages students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management, and teamwork skills.

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STEM / Information Tech

PATHWAY:

Networking

Aaron Longacre ajlongacre@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Andrew Niksich aniksich@mvsc.k12.in.us

COURSES

The Networking Pathway describes, explores and demonstrates how a network operates in our everyday lives. The program covers the technical pieces and parts of a network and also societal implications such as security and data integrity. Using hands-on lab work, this course offers students the critical information needed for a role as an Information Technology professional who supports computer networks. Students will be introduced to managing network devices and clients, configuring routers and switches, wireless technology and troubleshooting, managing applications, files, folders, and devices.

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MERRILVILLE CTE PROGRAMS

Automotive Services

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transportation, distribution, & Logistics

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

PATHWAY:

Automotive Services

James Johnston jjohnston@mvsc.k12.in.us

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COURSES

Students will learn how to safely use hand and power tools in the shop and how to operate lifts, jacks, and sandblasters. They will learn about 4-stroke engines and their parts, leading them into the lab for hands-on work with small engine repair. They'll gain the knowledge of troubleshooting problems that come with engines while working in small groups. Finally, students will advance on to service areas on the automobile, such as engine maintenance, brakes, steering, suspension, and alignments. They will meet with several tech schools that can further their education in this career area.

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Information Technology

PATHWAY:

Example page

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ASK THE INSTRUCTOR A QUESTION

CERTIFICATIONS

COURSES

xxxx xxxx xxxx@mvsc.k12.in.us

The Software development program prepares students to develop, test and maintain the software applications that people use everyday with their computers and other technical devices. The coursework involves a combination or practical programming techniques and problem-solving skills.

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