Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center

Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center

The Mechanicsburg Area School District cooperates with other school districts in the operation of Cumberland-Perry Area Career-Technical Center.

Students typically make application in ninth grade, although a few students may apply as sophomores as well. Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School students may attend afternoon sessions. Sophomores and juniors will also take a social studies course at CPACTC. Seniors may elect to take social studies there or at MASH as an elective.

2025-2026 Career Pathways and Programs at CPACTC

Learn Real World Skills

Students learn real world skills using the same tools and equipment as industry professionals. By demonstrating their knowledge and abilities, student can earn a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate through the PA Department of Education. To earn the Pennsylvania Skills Certificate, students must achieve at the “Advanced” level on the end of program NOCTI test. The test consists of two parts – theory and performance. The Theory portion covers factual knowledge, technical information, understanding of academic principals and problem solving related to the technical field. The Performance portion of the NOCTI test allows students to demonstrate their skills to industry professionals who proctor the exam.

Earn College Credits

Students learn real world skills using the same tools and equipment as industry professionals. By demonstrating their knowledge and abilities, student can earn a Pennsylvania Skills Certificate through the PA Department of Education. To earn the Pennsylvania Skills Certificate, students must achieve at the “Advanced” level on the end of program NOCTI test. The test consists of two parts – theory and performance. The Theory portion covers factual knowledge, technical information, understanding of academic principals and problem solving related to the technical field. The Performance portion of the NOCTI test allows students to demonstrate their skills to industry professionals who proctor the exam.

Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials

CPACTC students have the opportunity to earn industry credentials which employers recognize and indicate a student has achieved particular skills and knowledge. There are MANY CREDENTIALS offered at CPACTC and they are specific to a student’s program and career pathway. Examples include PA State Inspection certification for Auto Tech students and Certified Nursing Assistant certification for nursing students. A complete list of credentials is listed under each program at www.cpatech.org. description. During the 2022-2023 school year, CPACTC students earned 1428 credentials!

Additional information on curriculum, college credit opportunities, and uniform requirements is available online at www.cpatech.org.

Suggested Course Sequence for Students Enrolled in Career and Technical Programs:

Carpentry

There are two types of carpentry work: rough and finish. Rough carpentry includes framing, boarding, sheathing, bracing, roofing, and studding; finish carpentry includes the installation of finished flooring, stair work, siding, trim, wallboards, windows, and hardware. Students in the Carpentry program will learn the basics of both rough and finish carpentry, including such areas as blueprint reading, using power and hand tools, framing techniques, installing trim and hardware, estimating, and identifying materials. Many of these skills are developed through live work projects performed throughout the school. Safety instruction is emphasized throughout the program.

Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Students in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance program receive classroom training and practical experience in the installation of circuits, switches, conduits, circuit breakers, and other electrical devices; instruction includes the proper use and care of hand tools and equipment used to install electrical systems on a construction site. Students learn to connect and disconnect electrical equipment and determine proper installation and operation of electrical work, apply procedures used in interior circuits and outlets, and troubleshoot electrical malfunctions. Special emphasis is placed on the National Electric Code Specifications used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical construction projects.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program provides the fundamentals of installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment and accessory parts used for heating, air conditioning, and cooling systems. Students learn basic electricity as it applies to the electrical power source and activities used in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration units. Various equipment and training simulators are used to teach basic refrigeration in chilling and freezing systems. They will learn to solder and braze while developing skills required for the installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration units. Instruction includes: connecting ducts, refrigerant lines, and electrical hookups to power sources; the removal and/or replacement of parts by using torches, electrical meters, testing equipment, gauges, and hand tools; diagnosing unit breakdowns; disassembling and reassembling systems; making adjustments to ensure efficient operations; and reading basic blueprints and writing diagrams. The program also covers many of the basic skills needed in the plumbing trade, providing these students interested an opportunity to pursue a career in plumbing.

Horticulture And Landscaping

There are several career pathways in the Horticulture & Landscaping program. Greenhouse managers, soil and plant scientists, groundskeepers, and landscape designers are just a few of the occupations in this wide-ranging field. Students spend time in the greenhouse, classroom, and outdoors as they learn identification, botany, proper plant care, and other factors impacting care and growth of plant materials. This knowledge is then utilized in the design and preparation of decorative and functional sites. Topics include sustainable practices such as hydroponics and environmental issues facing today’s society, design and installation of plants, ponds, and hardscaping, laws and zoning regulations, business ethics and practices, safety and equipment operation, floral design, turf management and irrigation, and other related areas. We also offer college in the high school along with certifications for OSHA. Come explore the opportunity waiting for you!

Masonry

The Masonry program provides the fundamental skills needed to work with bricks, blocks, and concrete. Students learn brick and block laying; mortar mixing; scaffold construction; building construction; the proper use of masonry tools; and how to read blueprints to determine an accurate brick layout following the builder's specifications. Additionally, students check alignment and positioning of bricks by using a dry course; check for horizontal or vertical straightness by using a mason's level; gauge lines, and plumb lines; and use story gauge rods to check work. Special emphasis is placed on mortar mixing and proper spreading of mortar to ensure accurate spacing of the joints. Students learn the safe use and proper care of hand tools such as trowels, jointers, rules, squares, brick hammer, mason levels, and gauge lines.

Advertising Art & Design

A large percentage of merchandising and advertising for modern promotion is done through the medium of Advertising Art and Design. The purpose of this course is to help prepare students for an entry-level job or to prepare the student to advance into post-secondary training at colleges and art schools. Throughout the program, students will maintain a portfolio to promote their work and talent when they graduate. The major emphasis is on the basic principles of design: color, development of skills, exploration of media, and Advertising Art and Design practices. Special emphasis is placed on manual illustration and layout skills in the area of art production, technical features of design, layout and composition, and color theory. Students will prepare graphic and advertising projects from the idea stage through to pre-press using the current Adobe Creative Suite software.

Computer Networking

The Computer Networking program is designed to give students a broad background in the fundamentals of designing, installing, and maintaining a computer network. Specifically, students will cover the following topics: Computer hardware, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance, operating systems and software, network technologies, network media and topologies, network devices, network management, network tools and troubleshooting, and security fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students to test for industry credentials and certifications.

Computer Programming

In Computer Programming students will learn to write, develop, and test code for applications to run on computer systems. In addition, they will learn about analyzing and designing solutions to troubleshoot software issues. Students will cover the following topics: understanding computer basics, interpret logical expressions using Boolean Algebra, create simple programs using algorithms, apply program analysis for evaluating algorithms and testing and debugging systems, and learn about computing practice focusing on data structures and object-oriented program design. Emphasis will be on completing college level course work leading to earning college credits through our agreement with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Dental Assisting

Students in the Dental Assisting program learn how to properly aid dentists and dental hygienists. During the course of the program, they will learn the proper techniques that go into every aspect of assisting in a dental office, from taking x-rays to scheduling appointments. To ensure that students are trained as accurately as possible, they practice on modern dental equipment and become familiar with tools common to the profession. Other asks assigned in this program include learning proper sterilization, instrument transferal, infection control, and preventative healthcare techniques; and assisting with basic dental procedures. While students emerge from the Dental Assisting program fully equipped to work as a dental assistant, further education is required before the student can achieve other positions in the field.

Healthcare Pathways

The Healthcare Industry employs over 600,000 Pennsylvanians and is the largest private employer in Cumberland County. Employment is projected to increase 15% by 2026 and there is a tremendous need for skilled workers to fill the current and future skills gap. The Healthcare Pathways Program at Cumberland Perry Area CTC prepares students with the theoretical knowledge and tangible skills needed for a variety of different pathways within the Healthcare Industry, including employment and post-secondary education opportunities.

After a core curriculum that includes an Introduction to Healthcare, Patient Care Skills, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology, students will have the ability to select options within the program that best fit their future career goals, including the potential attainment of stackable credentials and college credits. Elective options include Phlebotomy, EKG, CNA, Office Procedures, and Pharmacy Technician courses, Cooperative Education, and seniors may apply for the Emerging Health Professionals program.

Emerging Health Professionals

The Emerging Health Professionals Programs is SENIOR ONLY program that combines college level dual enrollment courses, job shadowing in various healthcare facilities, and a skills-based patient care curriculum. The program is designed for high school seniors interested in a pathway towards careers requiring post-secondary education in the healthcare industry. The Emerging Health Professionals Program is a half-day program that runs the duration of the school year in conjunction with required high school curriculum. Students spend two days a week taking college courses, two days a week in a health care setting and one day a week developing skills. Students in this program take Anatomy and Physiology I and II at our partner college for a total of eight college credits.

Applicants must have completed one year of high school Biology and Chemistry with a GPA of 3.0 (or % equivalent) as well as Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry (or equivalent) with a GPA of a 3.0 or intends to be enrolled senior year.

Students must provide their own transportation and are responsible for college dual-enrollment costs. This program has a separate application, which may be found at www.cpatech.org ➡ Programs ➡ Health Sciences ➡ Emerging Health Professionals.

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is a program that offers a broad range of skills and knowledge concerning the selection, preparation, and handling of foods. Skill development will focus on: safety and sanitation; dining room service; preparation of food; buffet service; meat cutting; baking; store room procedures; and basic management skills. Unlike the home economics courses offered by most general high schools, the instruction and on-the-job training will be conducted in a fully equipped cafeteria and restaurant at Cumberland Perry Area CTC.

Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program at CPACTC gives students a great head start to a lucrative career. Our curriculum is rigid, however, by the time student’s graduate they will have skills desirable to employers in the Cosmetology industry. Students in the program learn all aspects of hair care, skin care, and nail care, and not only do they practice on mannequins, but they practice on each other as well. Once the student earns 300 hours they are ready to apply skills to customers in the Cosmetology clinic. Instruction also includes resume writing, interviewing, marketing and retailing, so students are prepared to start the job search process. Students need to earn 1250 hours to be eligible to test for the PA Cosmetology License Exam.

Criminal Justice

Students in the Criminal Justice program learn administrative procedures, vehicle code and accident investigation, crime codes and criminal investigation, prevention of crime, laboratory procedure, and supplemental activities.

Simulated activities develop skills in procedures used in police patrol, criminal investigations, accident investigation, report writing, use of PA Crime Code and Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, first aid, and firearms training. Special emphasis is given towards each student’s career objectives. Students develop skills needed to perform effectively in police departments and security agencies, and receive a good foundation for continued study in Police Administration, Criminal Justice or Police Science.

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education program instructs students in the preparation and presentation of nutritional snacks, instructional materials, schedules, and curriculum plans. They will also cover how to manage parent involvement, enrollment, safety and health factors, and discipline. A portion of the program is devoted to child development and preschool child growth patterns. Students will develop techniques that will be applied in the preschool program. Time will be provided to do classroom observations of the preschool children, as well as peer observations while teaching. The student will be responsible for supervising the entire preschool laboratory school program including the children's schedule, attendance, greeting children, enrollment, art, music, science, and indoor/outdoor play activities. Students have a portion of the preschool day set aside for "Learning Centers", a time in which they work independently with an assigned preschool child in an area that the child is currently strengthening.

Automotive Collision Technology

The Automotive Collision Technology Program provides students with the training necessary to repair damaged automotive vehicles. Instruction includes the repair and replacement of defective parts to restore a vehicle to good condition. Students learn how to operate hydraulic jacks, how to use pry bars, dolly blocks, and mallets for the removal of dents. Various techniques of metal finishing used to fill the damaged areas of vehicles with body plastics and how to grind and sand until the body is smooth are also covered. Our students also learn to replace auto body parts by installing new sections, and by welding new pieces and panels. Instruction in braising, soldering, and welding practices are stressed. Students develop skills in the preparation of surfaces to be painted, matching and mixing paint, and various spraying techniques. In addition, students install trim and glass, use gauges necessary for frame straightening, and estimate the cost of the repair service.

Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program provides students with the entry-level skills and knowledge needed for a career in the automotive field. Specialized classroom and shop exercises are designed to provide instruction in the following areas: engine repair, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxle, emissions control, hybrid technology, and alternative fuels. Students are taught to use computerized technical service manuals and are also trained to participate in the Pennsylvania State Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) safety and emissions inspection program and test. Qualified level 3 students are able to participate in the cooperative education program. This program allows students to gain paid work experience at participating repair facilities while attending school.

Diesel Technology

Students in the Diesel Technology course will receive training in all areas of diesel engine construction, operation, troubleshooting and repair. Students also received instruction in maintenance, servicing, and repair of over-the-road trucks, trailers and transportation equipment. The first year of instruction will focus on diesel powered engines that are primarily related to transportation equipment, but can also be applied to diesel powered construction equipment, high lifts, farm machinery and other diesel-powered equipment. Electrical systems, turbo chargers, engine speed governors and lubrication systems are a few examples of the engine subsystems that are covered. Students will be assisted in developing a keen attention to detail, which is necessary for success in this trade. The second and third year students study the other components and systems of the truck such as transmissions, rear axles, clutches, drive lines, batteries, starters, alternators, steering, suspension, alignment and air conditioning, just to name a few. Instruction will be provided in oxyacetylene, AC/DC and MIG welding operations. Students who qualify will also be eligible to take the Pennsylvania State Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) safety and emissions inspection program and test for mechanics. They will also be eligible to gain the EPA, type 609 air conditioning certification.

Logistics And Warehouse Management

Logistics & Warehouse Management students will receive training in the technical and "hands on" aspects of operating a warehouse. Instruction will center on "inventory control", which is a plan for supply needs, control of goods received, efficient accessible storage, and proper distribution of materials. Effective record keeping is also a learned skill. Additional activities will include: materials organization, inspection of goods and accounting for warehouse merchandise, receiving and shipping practices, and the use of power equipment such as forklifts, electric pallet jacks, rollers, and conveyor belts for loading, unloading, or placement of packaged merchandise in warehouse or storage areas. Students will receive actual training in "live" work situations. His/her experience will be comprised of working in a warehouse area that stores in excess of $100,000 of stock merchandise a year and will become familiar with handling merchandise that ranges in weight from one ounce to three tons. The program also offers the use of data base (computer) entry system for stored materials

Automation, Robotics & Electronics

Automation, Robotics & Electronics (also commonly called “Electromechanical Technology” or “Mechatronics”) is a three-year program that prepares students for employment and for continued education. Students will learn to design, install, troubleshoot, and repair today’s modern automation, robotic, and industrial equipment. Instructional topics include: industrial motor controls, robotics and electronics, programmable logic controls, mechanical power transmission systems, fluid power systems/hydraulics/pneumatics, blueprints and schematics, electricity and electrical systems, and A/C and D/C Circuitry.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program prepares students for a challenging and rewarding career in the manufacturing industry. In this program, students learn to use tools to shape the parts and components used in virtually every industry in the world. Students will begin with bench work, blueprint reading, and layout. They will then progress to learning precision measuring tools and techniques to ten thousandths of an inch (.0001”). Students will also learn machining techniques on manual vertical milling machines and manual lathes before progressing to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. An emphasis on the programming and set up are also included in the CNC training along with instruction on MasterCam and SolidWorks computer software. The course is designed to prepare students for a career as a machinist, but is an excellent choice for a student with the desire to become an engineer.

Welding

Welding offers training in oxyacetylene and AC/DC arc welding, semiautomatic MIG, plasma cutting, and TIG welding systems. Starting with planning and layout work, the student progresses to setting up and operating welding, brazing, and cutting equipment, oxyacetylene welding light gauge metals in all positions, and shielded metal arc welding in all positions. Emphasis is placed on blueprint reading to identify properties of metal, metal types, types and use of electrodes and welding rods, electrical principles, and welding symbols. The use of manuals and specifications charts and the understanding of welding standards established by the American Welding Society are stressed. Training will be offered in the planning, layout, forming, joining and fabrication of various shapes in light and heavy gauge metals and pipe. Students learn to use specialized hand tools and to operate shears, forming and shaping machines, drill presses, and metal cutting saws.

The Diversified Occupation (DO) Program provides training in a career and technical field that may not be offered at CPACTC or as an alternative form of education to meet a student’s unique needs.

This program combines classroom instructions in employability skills with on-the-job training through an employer that will align with the career interest of high school students. Career competencies are developed by the employer under the direction of a designated supervisor.

Students in this program attend Cumberland Perry 1 half-day per week learning employability skills and spend 4 half-days per week working at least 15 hours in a paid, supervised work experience. More information can be found at http://www.cpatech.org