Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center sets open house for prospective students

Students at Derry Area, Greater Latrobe and Ligonier Valley school districts who are considering enrolling in career-oriented programs will have the chance to check out local offerings Monday at Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center.

Students currently in grades 8-11 at any of the three member districts are invited to attend an open house with their parents or guardians from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the center in Derry Township.

Those attending will be able to meet EWCTC instructors and tour the center’s lab areas.

According to information listed by Derry Area, the center has an average annual attendance of about 500 students. It offers more than a dozen programs in career areas including: arts and communications; automotive; construction; engineering and manufacturing; health and human services; and information technology.

A service occupations program was introduced this past fall. Those who enroll in that program can prepare for employment in such positions as food preparation helper, landscaping and groundskeeping worker or stock and sales floor clerk.

Students who attend EWCTC have the opportunity to earn college credits, through articulation agreements with some post-secondary institutions, as well as nationally recognized industry certifications.

According to follow-up studies by EWCTC officials, more than 95% of those who complete a program at the center are either employed, attending college or enlisted in the military nine months after their high school graduation.

With support from the three districts, EWCTC recently completed renovation work to update areas of the facility, including its exterior.