High School Engineering Technology Program
Overview
The PVCC High School Engineering Technology Program is designed for rising juniors and seniors and will be offered beginning August 2025. The program is for students interested in advanced manufacturing, electronics and related fields. Participants will gain hands-on troubleshooting skills and application of knowledge in the convergence of computer science, engineering, technology and electronics. Classes will be at PVCC in the mornings, with students returning to their high schools for afternoon classes. These fully funded, dual credit courses allow credit to be earned toward both high school graduation and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
The High School Engineering Technology Program prepares students for high-demand, high-wage jobs and careers in engineering technology. High school students take six foundational courses leading to a certificate in manufacturing technology in the junior year and a certificate in electronics technology, or mechanical technology in the senior year. High school graduates then complete the associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology in one year (two semesters) after high school graduation.
Associate Degree in Electronics Engineering/Mechanical Engineering Technology
The associate degrees in electronics engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology are designed for students interested in gaining knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting skills in electronic systems, mechanical systems, advanced manufacturing, machine design and related areas. Graduates are prepared to enter an expanding job market which includes careers such as industrial engineering technician, CAD/CAM specialist, electronics engineering specialist and assembly technician.
Partnering with Business for Employment
PVCC maintains strong working relationships with business and industry leaders, partnering to design intentional courses and student experiences that drive student success. Graduates of our degree programs are employed with the following business partners: Dominion Energy, Emerson, Gaston and Wyatt, Klockner Pentaplast, Lighthouse Instruments, MicroAire, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, RIGID Products, Stryten Energy and Virginia Diodes.
Career Outlook
Current engineering technology career opportunities in the Central Virginia region include:
Occupation | Projected Growth | Median Wage | Education Required |
---|---|---|---|
Industrial Engineering Technician | 4% | $62,610 | Associate Degree |
CAD Specialist Drafters: Occupational | Little change | $62,530 | Associate Degree |
Electronics Engineering Technician | 3% | $72,800 | Associate Degree |
Mechanical Engineering Technician | 3% | $64,020 | Associate Degree |
Assembly Technician | Little change | $39,720 | High School |
Mechanist, Tool and Die Maker | Little change | $53,180 | High School/some community college training |
2025 Schedule
Fall Schedule
Block | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Classes at PVCC | |||||
1 | Materials and | Materials and | Materials and | Materials and | Materials and |
2 | DC AC | DC AC | DC AC | DC AC | DC AC |
3 | Computer Aided Travel back to high | Computer Aided Travel back to high | Computer Aided Travel back to high | Computer Aided Travel back to high | Computer Aided Travel back to high |
Classes at your high school | |||||
4 | English/ | English/ | English/ | English/ | English/ |
Spring Schedule
Block | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Classes at PVCC | |||||
1 | Intro to | Intro to | Intro to | Intro to | Intro to |
2 | 3D Printing for | 3D Printing for | 3D Printing for | 3D Printing for | 3D Printing for |
3 | Mechanisms Travel back to high | Mechanisms Travel back to high | Mechanisms Travel back to high | Mechanisms Travel back to high | Mechanisms Travel back to high |
Classes at your high school | |||||
4 | English/ | English/ | English/ | English/ | English/ |