Western Area Career and Technology Center
Western Area Career and Technology Center (WACTC) serves nine Washington County schools and has established itself as a leading institution in technical and career education. With a strong commitment to community involvement, innovative programs, as well as partnerships with local businesses and organizations, WACTC strives daily to prepare students for successful careers in a variety of industries.
The Health Occupations and Sports Med programs set the standard for community engagement, offering students hands-on experience through internships and observations with several local medical facilities. The Sports Med program has utilized their new "Therapy Gym" space where students have the opportunity to experience more direct lab time. This approach allows the students to learn genuine clinical techniques practiced in the workplace such as patient transfers, therapeutic modalities and exercise, and simulated experiences. Both programs partnership with Washington Hospital, giving students the chance to gain practical training in various departments. This partnership allows students to gain valuable exposure to different aspects of healthcare, including specific fields such as nursing, physical therapy, and patient care.
In the Culinary Arts and Baking programs, students can master a variety of different cooking techniques such as baking, grilling, broiling, and braising while expanding these techniques into areas of focus such as meat and poultry and world cuisine. Students also learn other essential skill sets such as culinary math, knife skills, restaurant set-up, as well as OSHA and ServSafe practices. In a unique opportunity for hands-on experience, students also provide their services to the public five days a week. Their culinary lab features state-of-the-art equipment, enabling students to hone their skills in real-world scenarios such as managing a professional kitchen and catering events. They even host their own fish fry now during Lent!
The Cosmetology program and facility has recently been remodeled and expanded, doubling its number of students in the process. Students often provide hair and makeup services to local schools for productions, and even give pampering services to nurses in local hospitals for Nurse Appreciation Week. Through these opportunities, students gain invaluable experience with different hair types and textures, top of the line products, makeup application for various occasions, and salon management skills. Speakers from across the field of study often visit the classroom, giving students a chance to hear from professionals within the industry. The students were even lucky enough recently to have gone on a trip to New York for the Internal Beauty Show!
Electrical Operations students have vastly contributed to the school's infrastructure by completing wiring projects like the new CTC sign by the road, and continuously work to make improvements in the rooms within the building, as well as assisting local organizations with projects such as the rewiring of The Dreamer's House in Washington, PA. Students also participate in community initiatives such as wiring new construction projects, retrofitting older buildings, and implementing sustainable electrical solutions.
The Networking program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to prepare students for employment in networking, cyber security, and PC technology. Covering topics like advanced troubleshooting, computer assembly, mobile devices, security, and operating systems, students develop essential and beneficial qualities such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, setting them up for success in the evolving fields of networking and technology.
The HVAC program students are instrumental in maintaining the CTC building's systems, as their curriculum covers essential topics such as energy efficiency, modern HVAC technologies, and safety standards. Students also assist their fellow classmates by cutting sheet metal for auto collision and threading gas pipe for maintenance. The HVAC program students worked collaboratively with the Electrical Operations students, also lending their skillsets to the renovation of The Dreamer's House.
Masonry students have engaged in various projects across the region, such as pouring concrete pads for the city of Canonsburg and even renovating the Chartiers Township Police Department's garage to allow for more space in their evidence room. Their coursework emphasizes precision craftsmanship, safety protocols, and the latest masonry techniques. It is one of only a few CTC Masonry programs left in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Carpentry program remains busy in the community as well, working on projects such as the Dreamers House basement staircase and the construction of King Friday's Castle with WQED for the Canonsburg Senior Center. For the school itself, students completed the construction of a lean-to structure to house surplus construction materials, as well as a staircase for the HVAC program, to name just a few. Within the Carpentry program, students learn carpentry fundamentals and advanced techniques, including joinery, framing, and finishing work.
The Auto Mechanics and Collision Repair programs are open five days a week for live work, providing students with practical experience in a variety of tasks. Work on steering, suspension, A/C services, brakes, rotors, oil changes, alignment, tire mounting and rotation, plus state inspections and emissions checks fall under Auto Mechanics, while the Collision Repair program focuses on dent removal, damage diagnosis, refinishing, and repairing vehicles to pre-accident conditions. These two programs offer students the opportunity to work with modern automotive technologies and diagnostic tools. Not to mention, the Collision Repair program pedal car won 2nd place in the Custom Division at the World of Wheels contest in Pittsburgh this past January!
The Machining program impresses with its CNC machine work, creating trail marker signs for the Burgettstown cross-country trails and WACTC medals for seniors' signing day. The program teaches students precision machining techniques, such as CAD/CAM software and how to work with a variety of materials like metals and plastics.
The Automation and Robotics Engineering program, or Mechatronics, equips students with skills in robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and electrical systems, preparing them for the future of technology and manufacturing. Students design, build, and program robotic systems, gaining expertise in automation, control systems, and smart manufacturing. Currently, four former students are working within the industry, with three employed at Ensinger Plastics and one at United Industrial.
The Emergency and Protective Services program trains students in firefighting, CPR/AED, and basic patrol duties. The program offers simulation-based training and live scenarios to help students develop their decision-making skills and prepare for careers in emergency services and public safety. The use of a donated ambulance and fire truck, surely contribute to the success of students in this program.
The Welding program, housed in an impressive standalone building, offers students training in compliance with American Welding Society standards, including variations of ARC welding and plasma cutting. Students learn fabrication techniques, welding inspection, and safety practices, as well as basics like troubleshooting and creative thinking. All of which are imperative for success in the industry.
The SkillsUSA program is a nonprofit organization that prepares students for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations. The program empowers students to become skilled professionals and leaders while encouraging community involvement. WACTC students participate in planning and organizing events, competing in state conferences, and engaging in community activities like a Thanksgiving turkey drive. Senior members are honored at graduation for their dedication and leadership as part of the WACTC SkillsUSA chapter.
Western Area Career and Technology Center is ahead of its time, providing their students with the opportunity to acquire and expand technical skills in a safe and secure environment. With a focus on community involvement and gaining practical experience, WACTC paves the way for students to pursue post-secondary education and sustainable employment in their chosen fields.
