PCSC: Opening new doors for students

The Pierce County Skills Center will be opening its doors in the Fall of 2010, opening along with it career options for students, leading to real jobs that mesh with workplace demands.

The PSCS will be servicing 10 county school districts: Bethel School District, Eatonville School District, Fife School District, Franklin-Pierce School District, Orting School District, Steilacoom School District, Sumner School District, Tacoma School District, University Place School District and White River School District.

Courses Planned for September and Course Desriptions

DigiPen Game Design
Students create video games using trigonometry and higher math, computer programming in C++, as well as 2D and 3D animation. With guidance from the program partner, DigiPen Institute of Technology, the course prepares students for careers as video game programmers and artists. Many of DigiPen’s college graduates go on to work in companies such as Nintendo, Interplay, DreamWorks Interactive, KnowWonder and Valve. Students must have taken Algebra I and pass a qualifying entrance exam.

AP Environmental Science
Students work collaboratively with industry and agency professionals to learn about environmental management practices using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Activities include weekly field trips, evaluation of field and/or lab data, examination of issues, and communication with an awareness of multiple perspectives.

Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in criminal justice and/or further academic work. It gives a broad overview of the criminal justice system with emphasis on policing, corrections and the courts. A work-based learning (internship) helps students to put theory into practice and to investigate employment opportunities. The curriculum is based on Pierce College’s course, The Homeland Center of Excellence.

Medical Careers
The Medical Science program introduces students to the knowledge and skills applicable to many medical occupations. Students will explore careers in their areas of interest, as well as in targeted demand areas for future job openings. Students completing course work and clinical internships may earn eligibility as Washington State Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) and Lab Technicians. Private transportation is required for clinical internships.

PC Networking & Hardware Repair
Students will gain a broad understanding of the installation and management of computer networks. The networking program is aligned to industry-recognized standards. Students are eligible to receive college credit upon successful completion. They may take certification exams to earn MCSE, MCSA, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications. Many employers look for these certifications during the hiring process.

Pre-Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Students prepare to meet prerequisite requirements for post-secondary Physical Therapists Assistant programs.  PTA’s are skilled technical health care professionals who are capable of carrying out treatment programs under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Curriculum design is aligned with post-secondary programs.

Pre-Veterinary Assistant
This program will prepare students for a career in animal healthcare and science and provides a foundation for employment in fields such AS veterinary medicine, fish and wildlife, service animal care and training, zoological and aquatic parks, equine science, research, and animal nutrition. With emphasis on hands-on interactive labs, field work, research, and debates, this program will take a multi-faceted look at animal health.

Robotics/Mechatronics
The DigiPen Robotics/Mechatronics program is ideal for individuals interested in the creating, designing and producing new products. Students will develop skills in computer aided designing (CAD), rapid prototyping, precision measurement, basic robotics, basic electronics, basic programming, and CNC milling. To hone these skills students will practice with hands-on projects including a robotic car, computer drafting assignments, and CNC milling projects. Robotics/Mechatronics students will also learn about the electronics and programming needed to operate these advanced machines.

Satellite Campuses Planned for September

Marine Technology
A course that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, maintain, test and repair steering devices and electrical; repair metal, wood, and fiberglass hulls and vessel components; fabricate and maintain sails; and repair propellers and drive shafts.
Satellite Campus:  Foss High School, Tacoma, WA.

Fire Science & Emergency Services
Students will learn how to identify and apply the disaster planning and management cycle from mitigation through recovery. Students will assess response strategies for nuclear, biological, chemical, and natural disaster incidents. They will learn to critically assess the intergovernmental and interagency responsibilities for disaster management support. The program prepares students for challenging careers as a professional emergency managers.  Satellite Campus: Spanaway Lake High School.

Click here to download a brochure

Enrollment Form

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education
516 176th St E, Spanaway, WA
253.683.6950
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)