Career & Technical Training - Nassau County School District

Submitted by Dr. Kathy Knight Burns

Vice-Chair, Nassau County School Board

September 30, 2015 7:15 p.m.

The Nassau County School District has long recognized that, when it comes to preparing students for life after high school, one size does NOT fit all. Education for today’s learners must be diverse, and our district recognizes that post secondary education does not (and should not) translate to a 4-year college degree for all students. What is a necessity for all students is that they diligently prepare to become part of a highly-trained workforce that is the backbone of a strong national economy. It is our job to make our students aware of the vocational opportunities that are available to them, not only in post-secondary programs, but in our high schools throughout Nassau County.

Information regarding the career preparatory programs offered at each of our high schools is available on the School Board of Nassau County website. Parents and students are encouraged to consider not only the programs offered in the attendance area in which they reside, but those programs available at other county high schools as well. Nassau County offers students the opportunity to enroll in any county high school, provided transfer requests are submitted prior to the February 1st deadline. Many programs are offered at the FSCJ Red Bean Center and transportation is available for participating students from their “home schools.”

Students who complete many of Nassau County’s career preparatory programs will complete certification and/or licensure requirements prior to their high school graduation. For example, the Yulee High School Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and prepares students to earn Automotive Service, Excellence (ASE) certification, a sought-after credential in the industry. The curriculum provides training in standard maintenance, repair skill, and electrical systems.

Yulee High School’s program was developed with the support of many local business partners, including Paul Clark Ford, Rick Keffer Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep, Ron Anderson Chevrolet, and Carter Automotive. Once again, effective school-community partnerships provide “win-win” opportunities for students and local businesses.

As opportunities arise to visit with students about their future career paths, please help make them aware of the following programs available to them:

Yulee High School: Automotive Maintenance (ASE Certification), Web Development (Photo Shop Dream Weaver, Administrative Office Specialist (Microsoft Bundle), Building Construction, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA State License)

Hilliard Middle Senior High School: Allied Health Assistant (SMAA Certification), Administrative Office Specialist (Microsoft Bundle), Agritechnology, Machining (NIMS Certification)

West Nassau High School: Building Contruction (LEED Green Associate), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA State License), Digital Media, Administrative Office Specialist (Microsoft Bundle)

Fernandina Beach High School: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA State License), Administrative Office Specialist (Microsoft Bundle), Digital Design, Television Productions, Culinary Arts, Aerospace Technologies

FSCJ Red Bean Campus: HVAC/Electricity, Video Game Simulation, Drafting, Java Development, EMT (Florida and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician, Air Traffic Controller, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts

As the demand for skilled employees in a variety of careers is ever-changing, so is it incumbent upon our school district to continually seek to provide relevant career preparation programs that meet the needs of our students.

The Nassau County School Board appreciates the involvement and assistance of the business community representatives who have volunteered to serve on the Career Education Advisory Board (see the list below). With their assistance and collaboration we will continue to prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s earners.

Building Construction Advisory Board

'Al Herndon FMAEF

Bill Badger Cash Building Material Company

Bill Barnes Retired Educator

Bob McKinney Nassau County Building Department

Donna Lynn Van Pymbrouch Donna Lynne Custom Homes

Jennifer Rhoden FDOT

Jessica Tippett FDOT

John Nelson

Julie Stein FSCJ

Laura DiBella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Lynda Taylor Retired Educator

Mark Brummer Lowes

Patrick McCarthy, Chair Habitat for Humanity

Star Ayers FDOT

Culinary Arts

Julie Stein FSCJ

Laura DiBella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Lynda Taylor Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

Robbert Bouman FSCJ

Robert Mark FSCJ

Scotty Schwartz 29 South Eats

Andrew Yeo Ritz Carlton

Health Careers

Patie Jo Beaty, RN Amelia Urgent Care

Britt Bullard Community Hospice of Northeast Florida

Donna Cortez Life Care Centers of America

Laura Dibella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Lenora Bodway FSCJ Nursing Program Manager

Lisa Bathstelli Osprey Village

Lynda Taylor Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

Teresa Carter, RN Baptist Medical Center Nassau

Tina Bowen, Chair Osprey Village

Virginia Watts Osprey Village

Manufacturing/Machining

Art Wallace retired machinist

Bob Schmonsees Take Stock in Children

Brent Lemond Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

Joe Oller Florida Machine Works

John Vonnoh Rayonier

Laura Dibella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Lynda Taylor Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

McKinley Ravenell Rayonier

Nicole Dawson Rayonier

Sandra Hayward Career Source

Sherri Mitchell First coast Manufacturers Association

Aviation/Aerospace

Tom Piscitello EAA Chapter 943 – Experimental Aircraft Assoc.

Calista Bestor EAA Chapter 943 – Experimental Aircraft Assoc.

Laura DiBella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Jerry Kawecki Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA)

Jim McCannell Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA)

Kelly Bonewit Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

Keoki Gray FBHS/NCSB

Lewis Eason Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA)

Lynda Taylor Career Tech Education Dept/NCSB

Nick Feakes Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA)

Sam Fischer FSCJ

Sean McGill, Chair McGill Aviation

Business, Technology, and Media

Barbara Wethman Walmart Yulee

Brett Barker Publix Yulee

Debbie Lovelady Walmart Yulee

Deondra Starks YHS

Guy Riner Supervisor of Elections

Julie Stein FSCJ

Laura DiBella Nassau County Economic Development Board

Lori Wilkerson Supervisor of Elections

Lynda Taylor NCSB/Career and Technical Education

Roxanne Fread Winn Dixie

Sandra Hayward Career Source NE FL

Susan Milana, Chair Communities in Schools