he Northwest Technical Center is located in St. Albans, Vermont, and is attached to Bellows Free Academy.  Its primary function is to serve 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from Bellows Free Academy, Missisquoi Valley Union High School, and other interested students from the surrounding areas.  NWTC also offers courses and programs to adult students, high school graduates, as well as non-graduates, who are interested in continuing their technical education.

ach course is offered in a two year sequence, meeting one to two periods per day, five days a week.  The second year is a continuation of the first year but offers advanced work and some specialization.  The third year of a program is an optional year for students.  They can choose to do an independent study, complete a third year of the classroom program, or work toward an on-the-job placement in their chosen field.  Students enrolled in Tech Center programs may receive equivalent credit in Math and/or Science.  Some programs have agreements with area colleges that grant transcripted college credit.  All programs stress development of good work habits and desirable on-the-job behavior.

s part of the School-to-Work initiatives, the Northwest Technical Center also offers Cooperative Education and Youth Apprenticeship programs for those students who are working during or after school hours.  These Co-op and Youth Apprenticeship programs can grant students academic credit for their work experience while they are earning an income and learning valuable on the job skills.

any students who are enrolled in a Tech Center program become involved in interschool, state, and national activities, and we encourage them to do so.  Through membership and competition in youth groups, students learn to develop leadership skills while they participate in special club and community activities.  The Tech Center has the following youth leadership groups:  DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Skills USA, FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America), and HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association).  Some students in the top ten percent of the class are invited to join the National Technical Honor Society as well.

The Northwest Technical Center is a great place to start your career!