Students are taught from a young age that preparing for their future career is the most important step to success.
While schools do teach basic subjects and prepare students for college, what about the trades?
Dallastown offers some choices for students in metals and woods, but there are more careers to explore.
That’s where York School of Technology comes in.
York Tech. is known for offering career paths, including welding, mechatronics, automotive, and nail technology.
Students who attend York Tech. full-time, follow an “A/B” schedule, which means that they don’t have the same classes every day. For example, a student might have math class on A days, but won’t have it on B days.
In Sep. 2021, the “Part-Time Flex” program began. This program offers students the chance to get a “sneak peek” at their future career while still attending their regular high school for academics.
Dallastown College and Career Counselor Kellin McCullough says there are several steps to get into York Tech’s Flex-Time program.
“Students learn about the Tech program during scheduling time, and we hold a special meeting in January to explain the program and application process. In January, students complete the application, then participate in an interview and tour at Tech. Afterward, they receive notification of their acceptance,” McCullough states.
Students will then start the program at the start of the next school year.
While attending Tech full-time is offered to 9-12 graders, the Flex-Time program is only available to 11 and 12 graders. Post-graduation, Tech offers an Adult Education program. While it is costly (roughly around $4,000), Tech can help with the costs.
Senior Taylor Spevak is one of the many students that has joined the Flex-Time program, specifically the Automotive portion. He has always loved working on vehicles and hopes to be a mechanic someday. While some find it difficult to balance going to DHS and Tech, Spevak states that he doesn’t find it difficult at all.
“I find it to be really therapeutic. It gives me the chance to relax and do what I love.”
McCullough also stated that she’s never had an issue with students finding it difficult to balance everything. She explained that it’s never been an issue, considering the Flex-Time is built into their schedule, meaning they aren’t missing their Dallastown classes. However, she further explains that an issue they have had was attendance, but even that’s minimal.
So, what are the pros and cons?
“I can’t really think of any cons, but I think it’s such an amazing program and teaches you so much, not to mention the head start on your future, including getting certain certifications that look great on a resume, as well as multiple connections that can help with job searches,” Spevak states.
The goal for this program is to get high school students experience and push them out into the real world, using connections to help with job searches, hands-on experiences, and, as Spevak stated, earning certifications.
This program has become very beneficial to students at Dallastown. For example, Spevak, due to the connections he has at Tech, has an interview with “Stetler Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram”, a dealership that sells new and used Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models, as well as offering repair services and parts.
When asked what she wanted the world to know about the Flex-Time Program at Tech, McCullough explains.
“It’s an awesome opportunity for students to explore trades that we don’t offer here at Dallastown. Tech gives them a chance to build and advance their skills in a hands-on environment, which can really set them up for success.”
