The Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC) is a place where high school juniors and seniors can go to further their education in specific programs. The PLCC has many different programs and trades where students from four local schools: Green, Coventry, Springfield and Manchester, can learn different skills for a wide range of high demand careers. The PLCC offers successful post high school options for many students. It allows students to have a head start in college or allow them to get a job right out of high school with no college education. There are numerous programs that students can pick from including:
Cosmetology- Charlize
The Cosmetology program is taught by certified and licensed cosmetologists. In this 10 month program, students will learn several different skills including but not limited to: hair styling, hair coloring, hair cutting, chemical treatments, makeup application, and manicures/ pedicures. Charlize Greenlee ‘25 decided to participate in the cosmetology program this year and plans to continue in order to receive her cosmetology license before she graduates in 2025.
“I want to do it next year because I get the opportunity to intern at any salon I choose during the summer so I can experience what working in a real salon will be like,” Greenlee said.
Greenlee’s favorite part about the cosmetology program is the fact that it doesn’t feel like actual school. The cosmetology program is a very hands-on work experience where students learn so many techniques and skills to help them become successful. This program also shortens your actual school day meaning you only have to go to the high school to take essential classes which Greenlee said makes her day feel like it goes a lot faster.
“My favorite part about cosmetology is that it doesn’t feel like school. We get to do partner days and practice all the things we learn with each other so it can be very fun. I’ve also met one of my favorite persons in cosmetology which makes class a lot more fun,” Greenlee said.
Overall, the cosmetology program provides an opportunity to get expertly trained on how to do many things that will help students in the growing beauty industry in the future.
Sports med- sam
The Sports Medicine program will teach students several different techniques and skills. First students will learn proper exercise techniques, but then they will also learn how to work with athletes and become strong at taping, bracing, and treating injuries. Along with this, students will be able to graduate with their AMCA Physical Therapy Aide Certification, CRP Certification, and they will be a Certified Personal Trainer. Samantha Flenner ‘25 is currently studying sports medicine at the PLCC. Flenner entered into this program to see if she would enjoy having a future career in sports medicine as well as use this program as an opportunity to try something new and meet new people. Flenner has enjoyed this program a lot and next year plans to continue in sports medicine, as well as try out the PLCC’s Phlebotomy class where she can learn how to draw blood.
“If you are interested in going into physical therapy or anything like that, sports medicine is a really good program. It teaches you a lot of new things and sets you up better for going into college,” Flenner said.
Since Flenner goes to the PLCC in the mornings, she only has to come to the high school for her essential classes, which Flenner feels has provided her with so many different opportunities.
“PLCC is a great option for anyone, it’s a good school and they’re willing to help you reach your goals,” Flenner said.
The sports medicine program is so beneficial and helps students better understand human bodies and how to improve them.
Engineering- cohen (email sent)
The Engineering Processes program allows students to learn the manufacturing, designing, and prototyping of products. The program gives the opportunity to continue professionally. During the student’s senior year, they are able to go from school to work job placement. The PLCC works with local businesses and places them into a job related to the program. Through this program, they are able to gain job experience and school credit. Cohen Lynch ‘25 is currently a part of the Engineering Processes program at the PLCC since he has always been interested in designing and building.
“Typically school subjects always seemed to bore me as I never saw the practicality in them, but PLCC appealed as a place to acquire legitimate workplace experience while furthering my education,” Lynch said.
Lynch, as well as being enrolled at the PLCC, takes several AP classes at the high school. Lynch said its easier than one may think since inbetween the PLCC and school there is a lot of flexes and time off to complete homework. Being able to switch between the PLCC and high school also provides students with a change of scenery opposed to moving from classroom to classroom. The engineering program at the PLCC is a place where students can further their critical thinking and building skills.
“It’s a great opportunity to gain workspace experience during school and can give a significant boost to your ability prior to entering the adult world,” Lynch said.
Overall, the Engineering Processes program at the PLCC allows students to obtain hands-on experiences that can push their minds and prepare them for the future.
Adult programs
Contrary to students’ beliefs, the PLCC is not only for students to further their education, but it is also open for many adults to earn their degrees and learn necessary skills.
The PLCC offers numerous programs for adults to choose from that can be very beneficial. The cosmetology program is open to adults and here they will learn hair styling, hair coloring, skin care, nail techniques, and makeup applications. Close to cosmetology, adults can also enroll into the Esthetician program where they can solely focus on the skin care and makeup application.
Next, there is a dental assisting program where adults can receive training and practice in order to land jobs in dental offices or other health facilities.
Next, the PLCC offers hands-on experiences working with HVAC in order to learn necessary skills to repair heating and ventilation systems.
Finally, adults can enroll themselves into practice nursing programs where the Ohio Board of Nursing teaches different skills in order to revive a successful job in a hospital.
There are so many more programs available and can be found online. For adults, in order to enroll into the PLCC, they must apply to their desired program and get accepted. Depending on the program, the tuition will vary. Adults can choose to go full time (Monday through Friday) or part time in order to make it convenient to their current schedules.
welding- randy
The Welding program is 10 months of classes taught by experienced welders and certified instructors. The program is 100% hands-on where students will learn a multitude of different techniques such as: MIG, TIG, and Stick/Arc welding, how to understand and read blueprints, and improve their problem solving and observational skills. Randy Cunningham ‘24, has spent the past two years learning from the welding program. After touring the PLCC in 8th grade and then again sophomore year, he realized that welding looked like a lot of fun and had a lot of potential for a great career in the future.
“My favorite part of welding is how much the skill is to practice and perfect,” Cunningham said.
By attending the PLCC Cunningham can focus most of his time learning more about welding and only taking essential classes at the high school.
“I am able to work full time Monday through Thursday and not have to attend school any other day but Friday,” Cunningham said.
After high school, Cunningham is planning on attending the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in order to further his welding education.
Overall, this is a great program where students can get hands-on experience and practice that will perfectly set them up for a successful job in the future.
Culinary- gwen
The Culinary Arts program at the PLCC is one of the best places to learn more about anything regarding food. This program helps students understand meal preparation, food service, and menu design by having the students practice and gain experience at the student run restaurant, The Neon Lime. Gwen Edwards ‘24 decided that she wanted to enter into a PLCC program that she was passionate about and that could benefit her in the future. Edwards is a very hands-on learner and the culinary arts program is the perfect place to get real life experiences.
“The best part about my program so far has been learning new culinary techniques that are beneficial. Everything I have learned I can use in the future, and it’s exciting trying new foods and recipes,” Edwards said.
After graduating, Edwards plans on moving to Columbus, getting her real estate license, and then selling/ leasing apartments with her sister. Even though Edwards is not furthering her career in the kitchen, she has enjoyed learning how to make and prepare numerous different dishes and she believes that this program has taught her many important life skills that no matter what she ends up doing in life, will be beneficial to her.
“I think the culinary arts is a great program to do. It teaches you good customer service because you work in The Neon Lime restaurant, it teaches you new recipes, and it’s a great skill to have as you become an adult,” Edwards said.
Questions
For seniors-
What time do you like being at plcc more (morning or afternoon)
What are your after high school plans
Both-
Do you like going to the plcc or would you have rathered to stay at the high school all day
Juniors-
How did you know you wanted to be at plcc
Whats your favorite part about the program so far
Do you plan to continue next year
