VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Vocational programs consisting of courses designed to train workers for a particular trade are offered at Caribou Regional Vocational High School. Programs are made available to Fort Fairfield Middle High School students during their junior and senior years. Since a limited number of student openings are available in the vocational programs, the following selection criteria are used:

1. Student’s interest in area requested

2. Student’s attitude (toward learning and others)

3. Student’s aptitude in area requested

4. Student’s ability (in related courses and area requested)

5. Student’s school attendance.

CARIBOU REGIONAL APPLIED TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The Caribou Regional Applied Technology Center serves as a training center for students from Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Presque Isle, Van Buren and Washburn.

The Technology Center provides high school students and post-graduates an opportunity to learn job skills in twelve areas. A combination of classroom instruction, hands on learning experiences and on-the-job training enables every student to explore job options and develop life and work skills. Some students seek employment immediately after high school or join the military. Many students further their education at a university, college, or technical college.

All students at the Technology Center are encouraged to participate in co-curricular organizations, which coincide with their chosen program. These student organizations have been highly successful in local, state and national competitions as evidenced by respective state and national awards.

ONE YEAR PROGRAMS

COMPUTER INFORMATION PROCESSING (PM) This one-year course in computer applications covers areas that can lead to an exciting career involving computers. The primary emphasis is on Microsoft Office 97 covering Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and integration of these applications. Other topics in the course are desktop publishing using Microsoft Publisher, Internet study and web page creation.

ELECTRONICS/COMPUTER SERVICING (AM) 3 Credits

This course is designed to prepare students for a career as a computer service technician. Topics include safety, computer configuration, installing hardware and software, operating systems, networking fundamentals, upgrading, diagnosis, repair, customer interaction and preventative maintenance. This course will help prepare students who wish to obtain A+ Certification in Computer Servicing.

HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCES (am OR pm) 3 Credits

Health & Medical Sciences is a one-year program that will prepare students for a career in the medical field. Entry level skills are taught in the classroom and practiced at health care facilities. Areas covered include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, medical terminology, and gerontology. Basic skills for bedside care are also taught to students desiring their nursing assistant’s certification (CNA). Students may take the state board examination in May.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (PM) 3 CREDITS

This course will provide an opportunity for students to gain the knowledge that is needed for today’s trucking industry. If you would like to drive a truck and feel the freedom of being on the open road, then this vocational program may be for you. The course will cover the rules and regulations for commercial drivers and the basic preventative maintenance of trucks including changing engine oil, greasing, tightening belts and basic wiring. This program will help students meet test requirements for the State of Maine Motor Vehicle Class B Commercial Vehicle Road Test. A valid Maine driver’s license is required to take this vocational program.

LARGE EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE (AM) 3 credits

This course provides a basic knowledge of heavy equipment and the fundamentals of mechanical maintenance on large industrial equipment. Students will use equipment to plow snow, load gravel, dig trenches, plow parking lots and haul materials. Preventive maintenance including changing oil, greasing, tightening belts, and basic wiring will be taught. A valid Maine driver’s license is required to take this vocational program.

LAW ENFORCEMENT (PM) 3 CREDITS

The Law Enforcement program is designed to provide an overview of the total criminal justice system. Accident investigations, courtroom procedures, motor vehicle law, criminal law, and juvenile law are covered during classroom discussions. Hands-on experience includes accident investigations of mock accident scenes, crime scenes, finger printing, and tire impression techniques. Students will visit various law enforcement sites and have guest lectures from local municipal officers, game wardens, judges, district attorneys, state troopers, customs, immigration, emergency medical technicians, fire department officials, and truck weight personnel.

TWO YEAR PROGRAMS

Typically, two-year programs schedule part I in the PM and part II in the AM. Exceptions are noted.

AUTO BODY REPAIR I & II 3 credits each

This program is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to enter the auto body trade. Students will have the opportunity to perform panel replacement, sheet metal repair, frame construction repairs, plastic shaping and sanding. Students will also learn to use the MIG welder, uni-spotter, and power and hand tools that are used in the auto body industry. Safety procedures will be included throughout the program.

The second year will cover more advanced skills in the areas of major collision repair, BC/CC painting single stage paints, air brushing, glass

installation, estimating repair and frame and body alignments.