Where is Portage Lakes Career Center?

Portage Lakes Career Center offers a comprehensive range of career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for high-demand jobs in various industries. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, industry certifications, and real-world skills development.

• Auto Body and Repair: Students learn collision repair, painting, and frame straightening techniques using modern tools and materials to restore vehicles to factory specifications.
• Automotive Technology: This program covers engine diagnostics, electrical systems, brakes, and suspension, preparing students for ASE certification and entry-level mechanic positions.
• Building Construction: Participants gain skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and blueprint reading to build residential and commercial structures safely and efficiently.
• Business Management: Courses focus on accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and office administration, equipping students with tools for business operations and leadership roles.
• Cosmetology: Training includes hair styling, skincare, nail care, and salon management, leading to state licensure and careers in beauty services.
• Criminal Justice: Students explore law enforcement procedures, forensics, corrections, and emergency response, fostering skills for police, security, and legal support careers.
• Culinary Arts: Hands-on instruction in food preparation, baking, nutrition, and restaurant management prepares graduates for chef, caterer, or hospitality positions.
• Dental Assisting: Program teaches chairside assisting, radiography, sterilization, and patient care, resulting in certification for dental office roles.
• Early Childhood Education: Focuses on child development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and safety, ideal for preschool teachers and daycare providers.
• Engineering Technologies: Covers drafting, robotics, manufacturing processes, and CAD software, leading to engineering technician and design careers.
• Health Science: Broad introduction to medical terminology, anatomy, patient care, and ethics, serving as a foundation for nursing or allied health professions.
• Information Technology: Includes networking, cybersecurity, programming, and hardware repair, preparing students for IT support and systems administration jobs.
• Nursing Assistant: Training in basic nursing skills, vital signs, hygiene, and elder care, culminating in CNA certification for healthcare facilities.
• Pharmacy Technician: Students learn medication dispensing, inventory management, pharmacology, and customer service for retail and hospital pharmacy settings.
• Welding: Instruction in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, blueprint reading, and fabrication, leading to certifications for industrial and construction welding roles.

These programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors from industry, and partnerships with local employers for internships and job placement. The curriculum aligns with Ohio Department of Education standards and national certifications, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready. With flexible scheduling options, including full-day and half-day sessions, the center caters to high school students seeking vocational training alongside their academic studies. Overall, Portage Lakes Career Center empowers over 1,000 students annually to launch successful careers or pursue further education in their chosen fields, contributing to the economic vitality of the region through skilled labor development.