Careerline Tech Center

Careerline Tech Center (CTC) provides career education to juniors and seniors in high school and offers the opportunity for students to gain skills and/or prepare for post-secondary education in one of 27 programs. Tech Center classes are free. Programs are offered Monday through Friday and students attend for a half day either in the morning or the afternoon. Interested students and parents can get more information on Careerline Tech Center by visiting the website at www.careerlinetech.org or “like” us on Facebook. 


Each year, CTC has an open house in October and again in February for parents and potential students to visit the programs and talk with instructors. In February,10th and 11th grade students have the opportunity to visit programs at the Tech Center before selecting a program for the following year. CTC has articulation agreements with 21 area colleges and universities. Those agreements give students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school. Direct college credit may be an option for some students. Early college options allow students to enroll, while at the Tech Center, as a college student. All work is completed at CTC and is part of the standard curriculum. College credit is earned and placed on a transcript to follow students to the college of their choice upon high school graduation. 


In addition, Careerline Tech Center will offer students in Engineering Design, Electrical, Mechatronics/Robotics and Welding the opportunity to enroll in an 

early college program in partnership with Herman Miller and Grand Rapids Community College. More information on the early college program is provided on our website. 


While Tech Center credit is earned as electives, Tech Center students have the opportunity to receive academic credit (4th Year Math, 3rd Year Science, Visual/Performing Arts and an on-line learning experience). All academic credits may not be available in all programs. Check with your high school counselor. 


Careerline Tech Center’s programs are organized by pathways, broad groupings of careers that share similar characteristics and whose employment/education 

requirements call for many common interests, strengths, and competencies.


Natural Resources and Agriscience Pathway

Environmental & Agricultural Sciences   This program is designed for students to gain an awareness of environmental, horticultural, and animal sciences. They study ecosystems, water quality, plant identification, landscape design, and animal anatomy and nutrition. The concept of “going green” will be discussed as well as renewable/sustainable energy resources. Students will work with animals in a lab setting. (Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)


Honors and Awards: Several students participated in FFA district competition. Two students placed first in Extemporaneous Public Speaking and Prepared Public Speaking. Overall, we received 5 gold places and 4 silver places. Ten students are going to be recognized at Michigan FFA State Convention for academic excellence.  


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)


Arts and Communications Pathway

Graphic Design – The fundamentals of drawing and design are combined with computer software skills to produce original graphic design work and illustrations. 

Computers are used to produce high quality projects that are assembled into a portfolio.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.)

Media Communications The focus of this program is production as students learn video production, editing, and broadcasting. Students learn to operate video cameras, sound and mixing boards, and lighting in a production studio and in remote locations.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Printing/Graphic Arts Students learn all aspects of printing from graphic design to digital imaging to final printed product. In addition, students assemble and maintain a portfolio of their work.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.)


Business, Management, Marketing & Technology Pathway

Culinary & Pastry Arts – In the Culinary & Pastry Arts program, students learn about the hospitality industry focusing on culinary and pastry arts. In culinary, students learn about food and beverage production, nutritional values of foods, proper cooking methods, and sanitation.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Entrepreneurship & Global Business – Students will have the opportunity to develop a business plan in an area of interest while managing a virtual global business as a class.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.)


Business Management - Students learn the functions of marketing, economics,promotion, distribution, finances, hospitality, running the school store, Port 31. Students collaborate on all areas of the business as a staff.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.)

Pastry Arts & Baking - Students learn to prepare cakes, cookies, breads, pies and other baked goods. In addition, there is a focus on customer service, business math and finance. 

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

PC & Network Technologies  In PC & Network Technologies, our goal is to expose students to a well-rounded information technology curriculum which will allow them to make educated career and life decisions. Students learn skills in PC hardware and operating systems; network topologies, protocols, and operating systems; and Internet technologies. Successful completion of the program will result in opportunities for program and industry certifications.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.) 

Web & Game Development  Students can expect a fast, project-based environment for learning web, mobile, PC, and Xbox game development. Emphasis is placed on IT Core Fundamentals during year one. Second year students will choose a focus from Jr. Game Developer, Jr. Web Developer or Server Administration.

(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.) 


Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Pathway

Auto Body Repair – Students gain skills needed to repair damaged vehicles by learning dent removal, welding techniques, body and frame alignment, panel replacement, surface preparation, estimating skills, and painting. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum.)

Automotive Technology – Students put classroom knowledge and training into action by applying their training to production work in the automotive lab. Among the services learned are tire service, tune-ups, electrical circuits, suspensions, brakes, and electronics. State of Michigan certifications are available to those who qualify.


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)

Building Tech & Construction ManagementStudents study all aspects of the construction industry including blueprint reading, framing, roofing, siding, masonry, and basic carpentry skills. Students gain experience by building the Tech Center project house. “Green” technology in building/construction is taught. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)

Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechanics – The operation, maintenance, and overhaul of diesel-powered equipment is learned, specializing in heavy equipment, trucking, and automotive applications. Second year students expand their knowledge of diesel-powered engines by working on actual customer equipment.


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)

Electrical/Alternative Energy Students learn residential, commercial, and industrial electricity. Electrical theory, blueprint reading, conduit bending, wiring and lighting are included. Students also learn about renewable/sustainable energy sources.


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Engineering Design & Machine Technologies – Students obtain technology skills in engineering and machining. They build and test prototype parts and assemblies of products, tools, and machines used in the automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries. In addition to using the latest engineering and design software, students gain practical experience working with lathes, mills, and surface grinders.


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Mechatronics/Robotics Students learn electronics, robotics, equipment controls and sensors, and programming used in electro-mechanical systems. Students design and build vex robotic systems and an electric race car. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Plumbing & Water Systems – Residential and basic commercial plumbing, layout, and the design of plumbing systems are covered in this program. Students learn soldering and brazing of copper tubing and cutting, threading and grooving of steel pipe for gas and fire protection. Students gain actual experience at the CTC project house.


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program with a second year of extended curriculum)

Welding – Students learn the basics of welding including the design, layout and fabrication of metals, the identification of metal and alloy properties, and fluxcore and plasma arc cutting. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a two year program.)


Health Sciences Pathway

Healthcare Foundations – Students learn basic patient care such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and breathing rates, and the use of computers in healthcare. Students have the opportunity to become certified in Phlebotomy (drawing blood). 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)


Advanced HealthcareIn the Advanced Healthcare program, students build on health foundations learned in the first year. Advanced skills include: EKG (pulse points, EKG rhythms), dressing changes (sterile dressing changes, irrigating a wound), catheters, colostomy, pre/post operative care (pulse oximeter, breathing treatments), injection techniques (types of injections, injection sites), intravenous fluids (IV pump), and tracheotomy care.


(Open to seniors only, this is a one year program.)

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) – This class will prepare students to become a certified nurse aide. Students learn to document and report on patients, check vital signs, administer medications and/or treatments, apply dressings and bandages, and help keep patients clean. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Dental Careers – This class will prepare students to become a chairside dental assistant. Students also have the opportunity to explore other careers in the dental field including dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, registered dental assistants, and dentists. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Emergency Medical Services – Students are trained to become emergency medical technicians. Students assess patients involved in different types of medical emergencies and trauma, and study treatment procedures. 


(Open to seniors only, this is a one year program.)


Human Services Pathway

Cosmetology – In this program, students learn services offered in a salon including hair shaping and styling, manicures, facials, and waxing. There is a fee for students, which covers a mannequin, textbook, hair sheers, razor, and uniform. Classes are taught at Tulip City Beauty College in Holland, Michigan. 


(Open to seniors only, this is a one year program.)

Teacher Academy  – This class is for students who are preparing for a career in education. Students explore human growth and development, diversity, ethics and professional responsibility, and health and safety. Students apply knowledge of teaching while delivering instruction through various field placements. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)

Public Safety & Security Services This class trains students in the protection of people. Students are introduced to the role of law enforcement, public safety, and security services in our community. Areas of study include Michigan law, the court system, corrections, emergency procedures (including CPR and first aid), and investigative procedures. 


(Open to juniors and seniors, this is a one year program.)