• A.W. Beattie Career Center

    A.M. Morning Session - No. 0505
    P.M. Afternoon Session - No. 0605
    Grades 10, 11, 12 - Credit 3.0

    General Information

    A.W. Beattie Career Center offers students an opportunity to prepare for their chosen career field through advanced career and college preparation during their 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years.

    Students attending A.W. Beattie Career Center are enrolled in the afternoon session and spend the remaining half day at NAI or NASH. Three credits are awarded each year to students successfully completing career coursework. A.W. Beattie Career Center credits and grades are included in the QPA and class rank.

    All A. W. Beattie Career Center Programs offer advanced college credit upon successful completion. Potential college credits range from three to twenty credits.

    A.W. Beattie Career Center Programs are approved Programs of Study (POS) providing for seamless transition to post-secondary education through rigorous content aligned with challenging academic and relevant career context in a non-duplicative progression of courses aligned to post-secondary education. SOAR is a Pennsylvania program which allows CTE students to earn free college credits. Students earn free credits with a qualifying score from the NOCTI Senior year assessment and confirmation that they have completed the entire CTE program of study. To obtain these free credits, students must submit the proper paperwork to the college, as outlined below. This paperwork requires CTE administrative signatures for submittal.

    See which colleges offer free credits for your CTE Program of Study (POS)

    To determine the free credits offered for Pennsylvania Career and Technical Educational Programs of Study (POS) visit collegetransfer.net. After selecting your Program of Study and your high school graduation year, you can view all of the colleges offering free credits for your particular CTE program. Additionally, A.W. Beattie Career Center maintains many college credits articulation agreements with two- and four-year post-secondary institutions. Please visit beattietech.com for additional information.

    Students who attend A.W. Beattie may be eligible to earn math and/or science credits toward graduation requirements. Please see your Counselor for additional information.

    A number of A.W. Beattie’s programs require uniforms and equipment. The student and parents assume this cost. Therefore, students should obtain accurate cost information before enrolling for a course. Transportation is provided by the School District.

    Applications to attend A.W. Beattie Career Center should be made during the second semester of 9th or 10th grade and will be carefully reviewed. Further information concerning the A.W. Beattie Career Center’s program is available in the School Counseling Office.

    Course Offerings

    Advanced Computer Programming

    A.W. Beattie Career Center is proud to be one of the few schools nationwide authorized to offer Advanced Computer Programming through the Oracle Corporation. Students learn the latest database and Internet technologies utilized by industry leaders to create a dynamic presence on the World Wide Web. Advanced Computer Programming students learn how to design and create Internet databases, develop programs in JAVA and C#, along with integrating databases into WebPages using SQL. Students also develop data modeling, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills. This direct partnership provides students with the necessary skills to jump-start their career in the high-paced world of computer programming and design. Students pursuing post-secondary education will have acquired hands-on experience with the latest technologies, providing an expanded foundation for their continued educational success.

    Advertising Design

    The Advertising Design program at A.W. Beattie Career Center focuses on a wide variety of professional art-related fields, including Digital Graphic Design, Multimedia, Digital Photography, and Web Design. Students will train in a dual-platform (Mac and PC) environment using the latest in professional graphic design software and equipment, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Dreamweaver, and many others. Achieve advanced standing at local colleges or universities by utilizing college credits you can earn while you are working towards your Adobe Certified Associate Certificate in our customized designed studio.

    Automotive Collision Technology

    Automotive Collision Technology prepares students in all aspects of the industry including MIG welding, computerized paint mixing, and spraying techniques. Using the latest technology in our fully equipped auto shop keeps students up-to-date with current standards. The Automotive Collision Technology program utilizes the nationally recognized I-CAR curriculum. Students earn their SP/2 industry Safety Certification leading to enhanced employment opportunities. Cooperative education experiences in local area dealerships provide authentic educational experiences. The Automotive Collision Technology program is certified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation), ensuring that the Career Center meets strict education and industry standards.

    Automotive Technology

    The NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) ensures the Automotive Technology program within A.W. Beattie Career Center meets strict standards, providing students with hands-on experience using up-to-date diagnostic equipment in our state-of-the-art auto shop. Automotive Technology is an AYES (Automotive Youth Education Systems) training facility. AYES provides students authentic experiences during their senior year, with on-site experience in local area dealerships, allowing for those important career connections. NATEF and AYES certifications assure students the best training and preparation to complete their ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification in less time, upon graduation. Students will have the opportunity to earn their PA Safety and Emissions Inspection credentials prior to graduation.

    Carpentry/Building Construction

    The use of hand and power tools, blueprint reading, framing, finishing, roofing, drywall, and insulation are taught through hands-on experience in the Carpentry/Building Construction program. Students have the opportunity to learn skills in the carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical fields. BAMP activities and competitions, as well as community projects, challenge students during the year, preparing them for immediate employment. Students have the opportunity to experience live work by taking part in the ongoing project of building a modular home. Students will gain educational experiences with industrial rigging, scissor lift operations, and forklift training. Students will have the opportunity to earn their OSHA-10 Safety Certification and PA Builder’s Certificate.

    Computer System, Network Engineering and Cyber Security

    In this integrated dual learning pathway, students will have the opportunity to explore and develop their interest in two of the most sought after skill sets in the computer field: Network Engineering and Cyber Security and/or Computer Systems Technology. Building, maintaining and troubleshooting computers and peripherals is part of the curriculum. Students will learn the basics of networking, build and create virtual servers, and they will also set up and maintain Internet client services. Students participate in the Cisco approved IT Essentials course through the Cisco Networking Academy. The curriculum builds upon itself to create a pathway for students to participate in the next step of the curriculum with Networking and Cyber Security. Students will be able to test for the CISCO Certified Networking Associates Certification.

    Cosmetology

    In Cosmetology, the Beattie Salon provides qualified Cosmetology students with the opportunity to use their energy, skills, and imagination on clients from the community in a state-of-the-art Cosmetology Salon. Students will study care of hair, nails, and skin. They will learn the proper use of cosmetology tools and equipment, as well as techniques in hair cutting, styling, coloring, permanent waving, and relaxing, manicuring, pedicuring, and skin care. Students will also focus on professionalism and customer relations, while preparing to test for their Pennsylvania State Cosmetologist License.

    Culinary Arts

    The Culinary Arts Department has built a solid reputation as one of the finest programs throughout the State. The Beattie Dining Room, given a three-star rating by the Pittsburgh Press, serves breakfast and lunch to more than 150 people a day! Located in the Dining Room, the Bake Shop sells cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, and various pastries. Students learn all aspects of the restaurant business, including meal planning, food preparation, baking and carving, top dining room management, and banquet serving. There are many job opportunities within the always growing culinary industry, as well as scholarships for students provided by prestigious culinary colleges. Students practice their craft in a commercially equipped kitchen and bakery while earning their ServSafe Food Safety Certification.

    Dental Careers

    In Dental Careers students learn the necessary skills for employment in the dental industry: Dental Assisting, Lab Technician, Infections Control Assistant, and many more. Seniors participate in hands-on work experiences in dental offices learning and assisting in four-handed dentistry, chair-side assisting, administrative skills, and other techniques. Students will prepare to test for their PA Radiological Certification on the Career Center's state of the art Digital X-Ray System. Upon successful program completion and two years of employment, students will be eligible for their Dental Assisting National Board exam.

    Early Childhood Education

    Students enrolled in Early Childhood Education experience the opportunity to apply their child development and teaching skills in a variety of settings. In addition to a variety of classroom activities, students learn the industry standards for hands-on activities with infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. Students present a series of learning and development activities in a variety of facilities, practicing and refining their creative teaching skills, as well as learning the basics in caring for and managing children. Students will participate in the Childhood Development Association (CDA) Ready Certification. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to be certified in First-Aid and CPR as part of their classroom curriculum. Our ECE students are actively engaged with a number of community-based activities through the local libraries and Junior Achievement of Southwest Pennsylvania.

    Engineering Design & Advanced Manufacturing/Robotics

    EDAM/Robotics students interested in the most recent and innovative technology have a unique opportunity for training in the cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing Industry. Through a partnership with The Technology Collaborative and California University of Pennsylvania, along with guidance and support from Carnegie Mellon University, students will study Robotics and Manufacturing using curriculum developed through the National Robotics Education Center and related industries. Students will move through a series of introductory activities into more advanced design and control challenges, using the same state-of-the-art equipment as California University. Students will study robotics technology case studies and participate in hands-on lab experiences. Students will be using the FANUC Robotic Arm and the Denford CNC Milling Machine in conjunction with conveyor systems, motion control, 3-D modeling and printing for product production. Students may earn up to 20 credits at A.W. Beattie Career Center for use in continuing their education at California University of Pennsylvania. Because the application of robotics systems is beneficial to many industries, there are numerous employment opportunities for Robotics Technicians in the Pittsburgh area, as well as nationally. Students may also participate on the FIRST Robotics Competition Team.

    Emergency Response Technology

    The ERT course challenges students with exciting hands-on training in a fully equipped on-site lab, as well as field trips to the local Police and Fire Academies, throughout the school year. Students study several technical fields including police science, fire science, rescue operations, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services. Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at A.W. Beattie Career Center will prepare students for immediate employment in the growing Emergency Response Industry.

    Health and Nursing Sciences

    This course will show students that today’s medical field is rapidly growing and changing. There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in the Health Industry. The core curriculum will prepare students for entry level positions, such as Medical Assisting, Nurse Assisting and Patient Care Technician. For those students that have an interest in becoming a Nurse, Radiology Technician, or related positions, this program will prepare them for post-secondary education. During the course of study, students may have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy clinics, and private offices where they will practice and perfect their skills, preparing them for an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare. Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Certification is available to students who successfully complete their clinical rotation and state exam either for A.W. Beattie or an industry partner facility. Students have an opportunity to participate in a dual enrollment opportunity through CCAC as part of this program for college credits.

    Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Technology

    This is a course that trains students with the necessary skills to become qualified technicians and mechanics. Students learn heating installation and service, air-conditioning installation and service, plumbing, electrical wiring, refrigeration, and sheet metal fabrication. Students will put these skills to use when they participate in the plumbing, ventilating, and wiring of the Beattie modular home. They also test for their EPA certification and OSHA-10 Safety Certification at A.W. Beattie Career Center, helping to ensure immediate employment opportunities along with post secondary opportunities. In addition, students will gain experience with industrial rigging, scissors lift operation, and forklift training.

    Pastry Arts

    The Pastry Arts course provides students with an opportunity to learn all functions of a commercial bakery while perfecting their creative pastry skills. Students keep the bakery cases, located in the Beattie Dining Room, stocked full of cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, breakfast pastries, and a variety of specialty breads and rolls. Students receive quality training in our fully equipped Pastry Arts lab learning everything from baked goods preparation to merchandising, and dining room service. There are classroom demonstrations from industry professionals throughout the school year, as well as field trips to local bakeries and restaurants. Students will prepare special orders for holidays, weddings, and special events throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to earn their ServSafe Food Safety Certification.

    Pharmacy Operations

    Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacist employment openings are projected to grow at a rate of 25% to 32% over the next ten years. Positions exist in the public and private sector making this exciting career a sound desirable career choice. Students will experience an interactive learning environment, experimenting on state of the art equipment. Students will learn firsthand the skills needed to process patient medication orders and be prepared to move into advanced post-secondary studies or test for entry level employment. The potential is endless in our ever changing society.

    Sports Medicine – Rehab Therapy and Exercise Sciences Technology (SMART-EST)

    The SMART-EST program is designed for students that are looking towards the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical rehabilitation, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. Students will develop valuable skills in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, assessment, and prevention, along with prognosis and the rehabilitation of bodily injuries and related health conditions. Students will learn the therapy and application principles of a patient care plan including assessment, evaluation, interventions of exercise, manual therapy, modalities and neuro re-education. Students will also develop goal setting and discharge plans for patients. Students will participate in nutrition understanding as they learn how to develop proper diet plans for healthy individuals. They will also learn how to tailor diet plans for special populations. Career Pathways for SMART-EST are listed at beattietech.com.

    Veterinary Sciences Technology

    Students enrolled in the Vet-Tech program will experience a wide variety of care and management techniques throughout the program. Students will learn to maintain medical records and schedules, offer client education, explore authentic laboratory procedures, and assist with nursing and prepare for surgical duties, along with routine exams. Students will gain a solid foundation in the Vet-Tech program on which to build a post-secondary degree. Students will have the opportunity to earn the following recognized industry certifications: Purina Certified Weight Coach, Pet Tech First Aid, and CPR.

    Mandarin Chinese

    Through the use of innovative video conferencing technology, students across the region may participate in several levels of Mandarin Chinese content instruction. The goal of the program is to raise awareness and interest in Chinese language and culture. In addition to building a meaningful vocabulary, students will learn concepts related to sentence structure, pronunciation, and writing. Language proficiency consists of four aspects: language skills, language knowledge, attitude and strategy, and culture framework. The A.W. Beattie Career Center works closely with the Confucius Institute and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh to offer this program.

    Certifications

    Through strategic planning and partnerships with local employers, A.W. Beattie Career Center offers a variety of nationally recognized validated industry skills certifications. Senior students will participate in the annual National Occupational Competency Testing Institute exams (NOCTI).

    Training related externships are required for all students wishing to earn a Performance Certificate with honors during their enrollment at A.W. Beattie Career Center. These related externship experiences can be paid or unpaid and fall into one of the following categories: Cooperative Education, Job Shadowing, Clinical Experiences or Internships, and Volunteer opportunities.

    Learning Center services are open to all students. The Center is designed to facilitate the needs of students to help them reach their full potential. Facilitators provide support services through tutoring, study guides, test assistance, and curriculum modification. Facilitators and Instructional Assistants offer support in the classrooms and labs.

    Accreditation

    A.W. Beattie Career Center meets all requirements as established by the PA Department of Education under the guidelines of Chapter 339. The Career Center is the only recognized United States Department of Education Green Ribbon School award recipient career center in Pennsylvania.

    Contact

    A.W. Beattie Career Center
    9600 Babcock Blvd.
    Allison Park, PA 15101
    Phone: 412-847-1912
    Fax: 412-366-9600
    E-mail: kim.zylinski@beattietech.com