Hoover has a wide range of different career tech programs such as Med Tech, Bio Med, Culinary Arts, and many more. Here are a few of the programs which offer students a jumpstart on their future.

Biomedical Sciences

For students interested in the field of medicine, Biomedical Sciences is a class they should consider.
“Working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs, students engage in compelling, hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to problems,” science teacher Mr. Ben Janchar said.
Biomedical Sciences is for anyone that may want to go into a more scientific medical setting.
“Whether discovering new cancer treatments or teaching healthy lifestyle choices to their communities, today’s biomedical science professionals are tackling big challenges to make the world a better place,” he said.
Sophomore Lilly Tula gives her take on Biomedical Sciences.
“This course provides lots of hands-on opportunities to assist in learning,” she said. “Additionally, it covers many aspects of a career in the medical field, allowing students to learn what areas of medicine they like and don’t like.”

Medical Technology

For anyone interested in the medical field, but didn’t feel like Biomedical Sciences was for them, Medical Technology might be the path for you.
“This course introduces the different aspects and careers available to students who may be interested in going into the medical field,” Med Tech teacher Ms. Brea Knight said. “This involves learning about various health care systems, qualities of a healthcare provider, nutrition and special diets, cultural diversity, care of the elderly, promoting safety, infection control, vital signs, handling bloodborne pathogens and CPR.”
Medical Technology caters to anyone who wants to be anything from a nurse to a dental hygienist; however, it also is beneficial to those not pursuing a career in medicine.
“Whether my students ultimately decide to go into the medical field or not, the most important thing I hope they get out of this program is learning how to care about and for other people no matter what career they choose,” she said.
Sophomore Ava Jones talked about her experience in the class.
“I got into the class because I am interested in working in the medical field,” she said. “I wanted to get a look as to what it would be like to become a medical professional.”

Introduction to Business Marketing/Business Management

Introduction to Business Marketing and Business Management allows students to explore the realities of running a business in the real world.
“Students have the opportunity to learn about all areas of business,” Business teacher Mr. Mike Grady said. “Besides developing knowledge about business, students learn how to write a business plan, deliver elevator pitches, work with a team to reach a goal, create a commercial. learn sales skills, interviewing and career skills, and how to write an annual report.”
Like other Career Tech courses, business is beneficial to all students, not only those taking business courses in college.
“I think the most important skill students learn is the ability to communicate, network, and sell,” Grady said. “They leave with the knowledge and confidence of starting a business and that really helps move them forward toward whatever career path they want to pursue. Business caters to students who have a variety of skills and interests. Students have the choice of working in finance, marketing, and management so every student has an opportunity to learn the skill sets they enjoy the most.”

Culinary Arts

Mr. Phil Ogilvie teaches culinary arts, a program that will prepare students for work in the food industry. Students explore all areas of food production in a commercial kitchen and run the Tri-Star Café — a full service restaurant. Students can focus on a culinary curriculum or a baking-and-pastry-focused curriculum. They receive help selecting culinary schools to further their culinary careers.
“My course teaches students everything from how to work and operate in an industrial kitchen all the way through the basics of starting your own business,” he said.
The Culinary Arts pathway is divided into three courses, Culinary Arts I, II, and III. Ogilvie elaborated on the difference between these levels.
“My sophomore class is a basic overview,” he said. “In my junior class, we split between culinary and bakery, and my seniors actually run a business out of the program.”
This program has had a profound effect on many of its students. Junior Gabby Scalera explained how the program had a positive influence on her.
“I’ve noticed a spike in my grades [due to my involvement in the course],” she said, “I’m sure I’m not the only person who would say that.”

Teaching Professions

Hoover’s Teaching Professions course is led by Mrs. Jennifer Manion and teaches the intricacies of education.
“The course is for students who are interested in becoming teachers,” she said. “It teaches them why schools do the things that they do, and how to structure a classroom so that it is successful.”
Teaching Professions introduces many complexities that go into teaching, lesson planning, and many other areas of the education system. Manion explained how her course affects students.
“They start to see all the components that go into teaching,” she said. “That it’s not just picking up a book…They start to think about their classes and think about education from a teacher standpoint.”
Senior Ashley Kelly elaborated on how the program affected her.
“It’s definitely made me notice things in the classroom,” she said. “It’s helped me notice things from a teacher’s perspective. It kind of made my passion grow even more because I know both sides of education.”

Construction Technology

Construction Tech provides a hands-on classroom in which students have a jumpstart on a career in construction, according to instructor Mr. Terry Friel.
“We are a pre-apprenticeship program with a curriculum sponsored by the Carpenters Union,” he said. “So each year the students receive a pre-apprenticeship award for passing those levels.”
However, the class teaches more than just construction skills.
“We work on employability skills and stress the Hoover values,” Friel said, “These are the core starting accountability traits of a student entering the workplace.”
Sophomore David Crihfield said how effective the hands-on classroom has been.
“It helps me because what I learn I get to apply,” he said.
This passion is great to have in high schoolers because, as Friel explained, construction is an incredibly important job.
“The current workforce is aging out,” Friel said. “There is a large need for new hands-on employees. I’m hoping that it’s going to resupply the workforce, as there is always a need for construction specifically.”