SKILLED TRADES ACADEMY
The Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy (STA) is a comprehensive, credit-based program designed for high school seniors interested in skilled trades. The academy aims to equip Ottawa County students with the skills and education necessary to fill in-demand jobs.
The STA combines classroom instruction from Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Center with hands-on lab activities, focusing on essential skills and knowledge required in fields such as manufacturing, construction, welding, and more. Through hands-on lab activities, students learn how to properly and safely use industry-standard equipment. This combination prepares students for the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) exams and assessments. The academy is certified by the MSSC.
The STA also offers opportunities for students to interact with local businesses, participate in off-site industry tours, and explore potential career paths within their communities. By combining technical education with real-world experience, the Skilled Trades Academy equips students with the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately or pursue further specialized training.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Earned certification for individuals who demonstrate mastery of the foundational, core competencies of advanced manufacturing production at the entry-level to front-line supervisor through successful completion of the certification assessments. There are four individual production technician certificate assessments that STA students can earn:
- Safety
- Quality Practices & Measurement
- Manufacturing Processes & Production
- Maintenance Awareness
The OSHA 10-Hour Training provides foundational safety education, focusing on recognizing, avoiding, and preventing workplace hazards. It emphasizes workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Upon completing the training, students receive an OSHA 10-Hour card, which is recognized nationwide and often required for certain jobs.
Key topics covered:
- Hazard Communication
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Fall Protection
- Electrical Safety
- Material Handling
- Emergency Procedures
The certification is a comprehensive training program that teaches individuals how to respond to medical emergencies, provide basic first aid, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Upon completion, students receive a certification card, which is valid for 2 years before recertification is required.
Key Components:
- CPR teaches how to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths on adults, children, and infants to keep blood and oxygen flowing during cardiac arrest.
- AED instructs how to deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Includes safety protocols and step-by-step guidance on operating the device.
- First Aid covers basic first aid skills for a range of injuries and emergencies, including wound care, bandaging, treating burns, managing fractures, and responding to allergic reactions.
Powerlift Training is a specialized program designed to teach individuals how to safely and efficiently operate a forklift and is crucial for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulations set by OSHA. Classroom instruction and hands-on practical training is involved in this certification. Upon completion, students receive a certification that is valid for 3 years.
Key Components:
- Understanding the parts of a forklift
- Learning to perform daily safety checks
- Safe Driving Techniques
- Load Handling
- Hazard Awareness
The Festo AC and DC Basic Electrical Certification program is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in electrical systems, specifically focusing on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits. This certification is recognized in various industries making it valuable for professionals seeking to enhance their technical credentials.
Key Components:
- Basic Electrical Principles and Concepts
- Understanding AC and DC Circuits
- Fundamental Electrical Equations
- Diagnostic Tools
- Troubleshooting
- Safety practices
Manlift and aerial lift certification is essential for workers who operate various types of aerial lifts, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other elevating work platforms. This certification ensures that operators are trained in safe operating procedures, hazard identification, and compliance with OSHA.
Key Components:
- Types of Lifts
- Safety Guidelines
- Operational Training
- Hazard Recognition
- Inspection & Maintenance
William Hutchisson Leadership Award
Bill had one goal – to help instill the skills needed to compete in a global market through skill-based learning. His aspiration was to be a role model and mentor to those looking for guidance in navigating an ever-changing world. Bill was a certified MSSC CPT instructor and had 20+ years in the manufacturing world including food manufacture, automobile assembly, molding, tool and die, and custom manufacture. Since 2014, he had been in the education world teaching both on the credit and contract sides (Industrial Electrical, Motors, Motor Controls, Robot Programming, Welding, Pipefitting, Fluid Power, Print reading, Teams, Safety, Quality, and more).
Lucky for Ottawa County, Bill crossed paths with the Skilled Trades Academy and became the lead instructor. He was a driving force behind the Skilled Trades Academy, emphasizing the importance of skilled trades and equipping students with lifelong skills that are essential for the workforce. Bill’s commitment to student success went far beyond the classroom, as he consistently provided guidance and support to help students reach their full potential. Bill was a mentor to our students, a friend to Ottawa County and family to the Skilled Trades Academy. Sadly, Bill unexpectedly passed away on August 12, 2023.
In honor of his memory and to ensure his dedication continues to inspire future generations, the BAC established the William Hutchisson Leadership Award in April 2024. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership through encouragement and collaboration with students, staff, partners, and employers. Students are voted on by their classmates and the recipient is announced at the Skilled Trades Academy Graduation in May each year.
PROCESS
If you are interested in a tour of Skilled Trades Academy, please contact us. We encourage you to speak with you school counselor or career readiness coordinator before you register.
Registration for the upcoming program year opens January 1 of the current year. If you are a Junior and are interested in attending the program your Senior year, please fill out the form at that time. The deadline for the program is March 31.
Once you submit your submission form, it will be reviewed by members of the Business Advisory Council. We will contact you if there are any questions/concerns. You will find out that you have been accepted into the program before the end of this school year.
