Parent Student Handbook

The Windham Regional Career Center (WRCC) is a regional career and technical education center serving specific towns in Windham County. Transportation to and from the WRCC is provided by the sending school district.

Students are eligible under Vermont law to meet local high school graduation requirements in "embedded' academics including math, science, English, health, art and computer technology by successfully completing specific WRCC programs. (See the WRCC Program of Studies for more information). Educational planning related to occupational interests is an essential component of a Career Center program. Career planning, along with career exploration, allows students to engage in job shadowing, college shadowing, and work-based learning internships. Together this builds the knowledge to make an informed decision about high school course selections. Course selections that are tied to a career pathway, strengthen a student's skill-set and better prepares them for making effective decisions. The Regional Career Development Council has supported the development of on-line Career Portfolios in many of the sending K-8 school districts. For information about career assessments and help in reviewing occupational interests contact your local school guidance counselor or call the Career Center at 802-257-7335.

Making the decision to attend the Career Center is not always easy. Here are a few facts to consider as you look toward your future:

• Choosing a WRCC PRE-TECH course means you will spend 90 minutes a day (usually in the morning) at the Career Center. The remainder of the day will be at your local high school for your academic programs, or at Brattleboro Union High School. PRE-TECH programs are one semester in length.
  
  
• Choosing a WRCC program may be 90 -120 minutes a day (called a half day program) or 240 minutes (called a full day program) at the Career Center and you may be eligible to take academic courses here at our host school, Brattleboro Union High School.
  
  
• You may continue to participate in sports and extra curricular activities at your local high school.
  
  
• With the completion of a career and technical program your home high school diploma will be complemented with a Trade Certificate from the WRCC. Most WRCC programs also offer Industry Recognized Credentials that provide a labor market advantage to students seeking employment directly after graduation.
  
  
• Course selections tied to a career pathway will strengthen
  your skills and better prepare you for making life-long decisions.
  
  
• Qualified students will have the opportunity to participate in Work-based learning through cooperative education, internships, and mentoring programs.
  
  
• Post secondary training and college planning assistance is available through the WRCC career development counselor.
  
  
• You may enter your chosen occupation directly after high school or continue training at a community college, technical school, or other post-secondary institution and work part-time.