Programs of Study

The First Responders Academy is here!

Northwest Georgia College & Career Academy introduces the First Responders Firefighting Pathway.

Firefighting will prepare students, upon graduation, for entry-level careers and post-secondary education in the field of Public Service. 

This course trains the recruit for a career in fire service using methods designed to enhance cognitive skills through hands-on practicals and classroom learning. It will provide the recruit with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safely and effectively throughout their career. This course focuses on an intense hands-on approach to all aspects of firefighting and scene safety. Special emphasis will be placed on the skills necessary to achieve a successful career with the Whitfield County Fire Department.
 

You could be a professional firefighter by the time you graduate high school!

Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 Certifications

This course, along with the prerequisite courses, is designed to meet the requirements of NFPA® 1001, Fire Fighter I. After completing this course, the student will be able to sit for the exam to certify as a Firefighter I per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. This course is also based on the Basic Firefighting Training Program from the GA Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). GPSTC has teacher-trainer resources (including skill sheets for those that are required) and recommended text. The prerequisites for this course are Introduction to Law, Public Safety Corrections and Security, and Essentials of Fire and Emergency Services.

The Applications of Firefighting course requires strenuous physical activity. Students, parents, and school officials are encouraged to review and discuss the physical requirements prior to the student’s enrollment in the course. Schools may choose to recommend that a student obtain a sports physical prior to the start of course activities. Components of this course require a student to be eighteen years of age for participation and completion of that component.

General Automotives Pathway

Students interested in a career in Transportation Logistical Support (Automotive) will receive instruction in safety procedures, OSHA, and EPA issues. Students will demonstrate the correct use of tools, equipment, and instruments and describe shop organization, management and workflow systems. Courses will help students build a strong scientific knowledge base and develop skills related to vehicle chassis systems and vehicle engine performance. Students will master academic standards as identified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) and, through project-based learning and leadership development activities, will be prepared to be competitive in the transportation logistics marketplace.

In 2021, the Automotive program at the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy achieved Industry Certification Status through NATEF and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) was founded to develop, encourage, and improve automotive technician education. NATEF examines the structure and resources of training programs and evaluates them against nationally accepted standards of quality. NATEF's precise national standards reflect the skills that students must master. The NATEF evaluation process ensures that accredited training programs meet or exceed industry-recognized, uniform standards of excellence. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established by the automotive industry to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive repair technicians. An automotive repair technician that is ASE certified means that they have gone through an extensive amount of training. To become ASE-certified, individuals must pass an ASE test and have at least two years of relevant full-time, hands-on work experience in the motor vehicle service industry. Training in a NATEF certified automotive program may be substituted for one year of work experience.

Click here to go to the Automotives website

Culinary Arts Pathway

The Culinary Arts pathway prepares students for employment in a wide spectrum of food industry careers, including (but not limited to) food production and services, food science, dietetics, nutrition, hospitality, and tourism. Courses in this pathway include the development of skills in such areas as career planning, food safety and sanitation, accident and injury prevention, kitchen basics, operating and maintaining commercial utensils and equipment, preparation of commercial food items, the art of service, controlling costs, food management functions, and customer relations.

Click here to go to the Culinary Arts website

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