College Pathways

Whittier prepares students for the rigors of post-secondary education with a robust, practical curriculum.

Our College Preparatory and Honors level classes deliver the structure and depth of content required to prepare students for the college life.

In addition, in partnership with Essex Community College, Whittier offers concurrent enrollment classes in English, with plans to expand to math and science in the near future. The concurrent enrollment courses have the distinct advantage of earning our students high school AND college credits that are accepted at every Massachusetts state college and university, and many private ones as well.

These classes do not require a score on a test to qualify for college credit equivalency - they ARE college credits, earned by doing real college level work.

Visit our Academics tab for our full Program of Studies and special topics of interest.

Exploratory

The Exploratory Program at Whittier Tech is designed to allow students to make informed decisions in choosing a vocational technical area which they wish to pursue. 

The Exploratory Program provides students with experiences in career awareness by giving them the opporturnity to explore all the vocational technical areas that Whittier Tech offers. 

For ten weeks students will rotate through all vocational technical programs. This experience promotes equal opportunity and equal access for every student  and encourages participation in non-traditional career choices. 

Career plans will be developed for all freshmen and will be evaluated yearly. This plan will ensure that students choose career paths that match their interests, abilities and educational goals. Various assessments are used and short and long term goals are established. 

All freshmen are issued an iPad as part of our one-to-one intiative. Using their iPad, students will complete a reflective writing piece at the end of each exploratory week. These are saved by the student and can be shared with Parents/Guardians. 

All students are graded consistently in all technical programs. 

Construction

The Construction cluster is comprised of four majors - Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, and Plumbing.

CARPENTRY

The Carpentry program provides instruction in finish carpentry, house construction, remodeling and current building codes. Carpentry students are instructed in the use of basic hand tools, portable and stationary power equipment, estimation and use of building materials, millwork fabrication, project lay-out and design.

Successful completion of the Carpentry program will satisfy one of the three years of experience required by the state for Construction Supervisor certification. 

In addition, graduates of the program can apply to the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (BCATF), the Eastern Massachusetts Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund, and the Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship Program & Training Committees (JATC). Graduates who meet the standards for admission have the opportunity for accelerated advancement through these programs. 

After graduation, students are employable as framers, finish carpenters, cabinetmakers, remodelers, dry wallers, siders, and lumberyard employees involved with distribution and sales. 

ELECTRICAL

Students in the Electrical program learn the fundamentals of electrical circuitry and the laws that govern electricity. Course content includes electrical theory, electrical building code, safety practices, and installation techniques. 

In addition, students will receive over 1,000 hours practical experience and 150 hours of theory code toward licensure from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians.

Upon graduation from the Electrical program, students will have opportunities to enter the workforce as electrical apprentices for employment with electrical contractors, systems contractors, and electrical supply distributors, working toward the goal of licensure. 

MASONRY

The Masonry trade produces some of the highest paid workers in the construction industry. Students receive instruction in working with brick, block, stone, tile, and concrete, as well as hands-on training in the proper use of hand and power tools. The curriculum combines theory with practical application. In addition, students will also develop skills in blueprint reading and estimating.

Career Opportunities include: Local 3 - Union Apprenticeship Program, bricklayers, stonemasons, cement finishers, tile setters, salespersons, construction management, general contractors, design professionals, cost estimators and more. 

Many of our graduates have found success by becoming skilled journey workers through the Local 3 Apprenticeship Program. 

PLUMBING AND HEATING

In the Plumbing and Heating program students are trained in all phases of commercial and residential plumbing, including tool and material recognition, drain installations, and the installation of forced hot water and steam heating systems. Students are also trained to install water lines and gas lines. Further instruction is provided for the students in the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code, plumbing and heating theory, and the safe use of required hand and power tools. Students also learn the use of gas torches for welding, soldering and brazing. 

Upon graduation from this program, students complete Tier I and II of the five tier state mandated plumbing apprenticeship training program and receive over 1000 hours practical work experience.

Career opportunities include positions as: apprentice plumbers, journeyman plumbers, estimators, plumbing tool and supply sales positions, plumbing inspectors, pipe fitters and gas fitters. 

Many of our graduates have found success through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATC) programs including: Local 12 Plumbers and Gas Fitters, Local 537 Pipe Fitters, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Oil Burners. 

Technology

The Technology cluster is comprised of four majors - CAD/Drafting, Business Technology, Electronics/Robotics, and Engineering Technology.

CAD/DRAFTING

The CAD/Drafting program introduces the student to the use of drafting instruments, measuring, line work, geometric construction, orthographic projection, sketching, isometric drawing and perspective drawing. Students progress to drawing layout, multi-view drawings, sectioning, auxiliary views, assembly drawings and model making. A major part of the curriculum includes computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD, Solidworks and Revit software to produce drawings on the computer.

ELECTRONICS/ROBOTICS

Students will learn the basic principles of analog and digital electronics with emphasis on AC and DC circuits, solid state devices, and digital circuits. Students also perform laboratory experiments that require prototyping, circuit assembly, and soldering skills. Students integrate these skills by building various electronic projects and kits that reflect real-world applications. Students also design and build ro- botic projects using computers and robotics software which progresses from basic programming levels up to more challenging ones.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Engineering Technology is a new program for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The focus of the exploratory program will be to introduce students to engineering concepts and principles, as well as to address the requirements and opportunities for students interested in a career in Engineering/STEM related fields. The coursework will provide students a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum including exposure to various engineering disciplines, and a strong foundation in Science and Mathematics to ensure success for students planning on a post high school program in a two or four year college or university. Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the foundation of the program. PLTW is recognized worldwide.

Service

The Service cluster is comprised of six majors - Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Education and Care, Health Occupations, Hospitality Management, and Marketing Education.

COSMETOLOGY

Students in the Cosmetology program learn the techniques necessary for a career in the beauty industry with a focus on how to develop a self-confident and professional attitude crucial for success in the trade. Students learn the principle steps of performing facials, manicures, scalp treatments, hair cuts, foil frosting, and acrylic nails. Chemical services such as hair coloring, hair bleaching, permanent waving and hair straightening are demonstrated throughout the program. 

Upon completion of one thousand (1,000) hours, students are prepared to take the Massachusetts State Board exam, and may obtain a Class I Cosmetology license. 

Upon graduation, job opportunities may include: salon stylist, hair stylist, nail technician, skin care specialist, platform artist, product educator, salon manager or owner, hair color specialist, texture service specialist, wig/extensions specialist, and make-up artist. 

CULINARY ARTS

The Culinary Arts program combines hands on training with classroom instruction. Students learn the principles of breakfast cookery, garde manager, food preparation, food service production, baking and pastry arts, food service and restaurant management, and banquet and meeting planning.

A study of sanitation, health and safety, first aid/CPR, food service math, and computer/POS skills are included in the curriculum. 

Students have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association competitions, earning them scholarships for post-graduate certificate or degree programs. 

Upon graduation, job opportunities include: prep cook, industrial cook, assistant chef, assistant pastry chef, server, dining room manager, and fast food manager. 

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE

The Early Education and Care program is designed to prepare students for professional careers of caring and teaching with an emphasis placed on the development of young children. Through their practical experience at various child care facilities, students observe and participate under the supervision of certified teachers and child care professionals. Students gain experience of a variety of “ages and stages” as well as different teaching styles. 

The curriculum in child growth and development is designed to prepare students to apply for certification as infant/toddler and/or preschool teachers, by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, as well as certification as a paraprofessional in the state of Massachusetts. 

Graduates will possess the necessary skills to be employed as workers in the early childhood field or may choose to continue in their education at the post-secondary level. 

Health Occupations

The Health Occupations department at Whittier Regional is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn and experience the fundamentals of the health care industry. Students will learn the basic foundations of the health care professions during their freshman and sophomore years, including having the opportunity to job shadow/explore various career paths within the health care industry. 

Sophomore year all students will complete certification in: CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED – Automated External Defibrillator, and First Aid. 

Upon completion of the sophomore year students will choose between earning a certificate in Dental Assisting, Health Assisting or Medical Assisting. 

Dental Assisting: Students will be prepared for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam for Infection Control. Curriculum progresses for students to learn; patient care, dental charting, instrument and equipment practices, chair-side procedures, clinical records, dental practice management, laboratory procedures, as well as, the use of dental x-ray equipment and x-ray procedures.

Health Assisting: Junior year, students will have the opportunity to learn direct patient care as they pursue certification as a State Certified Nursing Assistant – (CNA). Whittier Tech is an approved Massachusetts Department of Public Health Care and Quality Program. Students are prepared both academically and clinically to successfully pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam. 

Medical Assisting: Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks necessary to keep medical offices running smoothly. Duties of Medical Assistants include but are not limited to: registering patients, updating medical records, taking medical history and vital signs, drawing blood, performing EKGs, overseeing routine laboratory testing, and assisting medical professionals as needed.

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

The Hospitality Management Program at Whittier will explore the fundamentals of Hospitality and Tourism, including: front desk personnel, food and beverage service, housekeeping operations, facility personnel, banquet and catering service, meeting and event planning, hospitality marketing and sales. 

Students have the opportunity to earn ServSafe Food Certification, ServSafe Alcohol Certification, Chokesaver/CPR Certification, Allergen Training Program Certification, and an OSHA 10- Hour General Industry Certification. 

Students may participate in SkillsUSA and Massachusetts Restaurant competitions, earning them scholarships for post-graduate programs. 

MARKETING EDUCATION/BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Business Technology and Marketing have joined forces to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded program to prepare students for the business world. Curriculum will integrate marketing concepts, accounting, QuickBooks, computer applications, and of office practices and procedures which will provide students with a strong foundation in business. Students will also be introduced to legal issues and develop knowledge in personal finance. They will learn proper time management, organizational skills, and goal setting strategies. Students will select which program they want to earn their trade certificate credential at the end of sophomore year. 

Students are also prepared to take Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. These credentials are recognized worldwide. Certification builds individual distinction and ensures employers that students are prepared for an increasingly competitive workforce. Whittier Tech is an authorized Microsoft Office (MOS) testing center. 

Possible career pathways: Business, Finance, Management, Marketing, Advertising, Banking, Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Public Relations, Office Manager, Salesperson, Payroll Clerk, Executive Assistant, as well as Retail Operations.