Jade Premont, in the Tech Center’s Graphic Arts program, chooses a color swatch for a design project. [PHOTOS BY TIM CALABRO] The Randolph Technical Career Center (RTCC) is a place where students and adult learners receive a quality skills- based education in areas ranging from business to healthcare to mechanics to the environ- ment. You can see the complete list of programs at www.randolphtech.org

“We focus on getting to know our kids so we can meet their learning needs and provide them with a technical education that is grounded in industry certifications, professional competencies, and state assessments that all target industry expectations,” says director Bill Sugarman.

Of the 2011 graduates over 90% went on to em- ployment or post-secondary education and more than 60% of the students were employed or en- rolled in a program directly related to their field of study while at RTCC. Highlighted here are just a few of our 12 technical programs.

Jacob Benoir works on replacing a set of wheel bearings last week in RTCC’s Automotive program. Graphic Design: For students interested in multimedia production, advertising, photography and fine arts, the Graphic Arts program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn theory and engage in a wide array of graphic design proj- ects.e year starts “computer free” as students learn the basics of drawing and includes field trips in design to places like the Hope Cemetery. From there students learn how to use professional pro- grams such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign and work with customers to create professional quality final products.

Serenity Lohr, a senior at RTCC who completed Graphic Arts last year says, “Graphic Arts is a place that where you can use your talent and find your- self and really figure out what you want to do with your life. RTCC’s environment is more of a commu- nity than a school and our classes are more like a family.”

Cinematographer Chester Farrington and director Alex Wardwell work together to set up a shot for a Media & Communications video project at the Three Bean Café in Randolph on Wednesday. Health Careers: Students graduating from RT- CC’s Health Careers program have the opportunity to earn a License Nurses Assistant (LNA) certificate and learn about and experience the broad array of possible careers in the allied health field. Students gain experience with radiology, respiratory therapy, physical and occupational therapy and many other areas. During the program, students engage in class work and 90 hours of clinical work at Gifford Medi- cal Center allowing them to learn the art and sci- ence of working with patients. An emphasis of the course is being compassionate and caring while ex- ercising keen objective judgment.

Human Services: The human services program prepares students for college and careers in fields such as teaching, social work, childcare, elder care and counseling. Students learn at RTCC’s in-house Early Childhood Education Center where they cre- ate and adjust lesson plans and engage with young children each week. Students also participate in a variety of paid and unpaid trainings at area schools and pre-schools. Students in the program have an opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate certification as well as Vermont’s Early Childhood Proficiency certifications. Finally, students can earn up to 12 college credits while enrolled in the program!

Sugarman says, “It’s about seeing students come here and absolutely flourish. It’s great seeing stu- dents hit their stride.”

Over the next few months, RTCC staff will be making presentations at schools in the region. Sugarman encourages all students to, “Come see what RTCC is all about – you’ll be amazed!”