NIACC Career Center – Franklin County
Career & College Pathways for High School Students
Opening Fall 2026The NIACC Career Center in Franklin County will give high school students the opportunity to earn college certificates or diplomas while still in high school, preparing them for high-demand careers or continued education—without tuition costs or college debt.
Designed with students, families, and employers in mind, this new Career Center connects classroom learning with hands-on training in fields where skilled workers are needed right now.
What Is the NIACC Career Center?
The NIACC Career Center is a career-focused education option for high school students, with flexible entry points depending on when students begin.
Students can:
- Earn a college certificate in one year
- Earn a college diploma over two years
- Remain enrolled in their home high school
- Graduate with both a high school diploma and a NIACC credential
All coursework is offered at no cost to students or families.
Why Families Might Choose the NIACC Career Center
- Save up to $10,000 in future college costs
- Earn college credit before high school graduation
- Learn in a structured, supportive environment
- Gain industry-recognized credentials
- Explore careers before committing to a four-year path
- Build connections with local employers
This approach helps students gain direction, confidence, and real-world skills.
Career Programs Available
Students in the Health pathway earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential and complete most health prerequisites needed for programs such as nursing.
What students gain:
- CNA certification during high school
- Completion of key health coursework
- Early exposure to healthcare careers
- A strong foundation for continued education
First Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Terminology I | HSC-121 | 3 |
| Intro to Biology (3) + Lab (1) | BIO-102, 103 | 4 |
| Introduction to Psychology | PSY-111 | 3 |
| Medical Terminology II | HSC-121 | 3 |
| Nurse Aide Theory | HSC-173 | 3 |
| Nurse Aide Clinical | HSC-174 | 1 |
| Intro to Health Professions | HSC-107 | 2 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | ENG-105 | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology | PSY-121 | 3 |
| Intro to Chemistry (3) + Lab (1) | CHM-110, 111 | 4 |
| Composition II | ENG-106 | 3 |
| Body Structure and Function | HSC-150 | 4 |
| Public Speaking | SPC-112 | 3 |
Summer after Second Year
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
Students receive hands-on construction training aligned with today’s workforce needs.
- 1 year (typically seniors): College Certificate
- 2 years (typically juniors): College Diploma
What students gain:
- Two diplomas upon graduation (high school + college)
- Industry-recognized construction credentials
- Opportunities to meet and learn from local contractors
- Career-ready skills employers are seeking
First Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Hour OSHA for Construction | CON-103 | 1 |
| Construction Drawing | CON-110 | 1 |
| Construction Safety & Risk Management | CON-177 | 1 |
| Construction Math & Measurement OR MAT-801, MAT-802, and MAT-803 | CON-360 | 3 |
| Carpentry Fundamentals I | CON-521 | 2 |
| Carpentry Fundamentals II | CON-523 | 6 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Professionalism | BUS-162 | 3 |
| Blueprint Reading and Estimating | CON-112 | 3 |
| Building Codes and Standards | CON-117 | 2 |
| Carpentry I | CON-255 | 4 |
| Project Management & Leadership Development | CON-460 | 1 |
| Architectural CADD | CAD-216 | 2 |
| Carpentry II | CON-256 | 4 |
| Commercial Construction | CON-272 | 3 |
| Internship: Industrial Technology | WBL-308B | 2 |
Students train using industry-grade welding equipment and develop technical skills used in the field.
- 1 year: College Certificate
- 2 years: College Diploma
What students gain:
- Hands-on welding experience
- Industry-recognized welding credentials
- A direct path to employment or continued training
- Graduation with zero college debt
First Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Skills and Safety in Industry | IND-190 | 1 |
| Applied Math A* | MAT-801 | 1 |
| Applied Math C** | MAT-803 | 1 |
| Welding Blueprint Reading | WEL-110 | 2 |
| Gas Metal Arc Welding Short Circuit | WEL-244 | 2 |
| 3-D Modeling | MFG-110 | 2 |
| Gas Metal Arc Welding Spray Transfer: SENSE1 | WEL-245 | 2 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Carbon Steel: SENSE 1***** | WEL-251 | 3 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Professionalism | BUS-162 | 3 |
| Thermal Cutting Processes I -Manual and Mechanized OxyFuel Cutting: SENSE1 | WEL-262 | 2 |
| Shielded Metal Arc Weld I | WEL-274 | 3 |
| Flux Cored Arc Welding (Self-Shielded): SENSE1++ | WEL-280 | 2 |
| Flux Cored Arc Welding (Gas-Shielded): SENSE1++ | WEL-281 | 2 |
| Welding Fabrication/certification**** | WEL-240 | 3 |
| Welding Automation**** | WEL-250 | 2 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Aluminum: SENSE 1+ | WEL-252 | 1 |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Weld Stainless Steel:SENSE 1+ | WEL-253 | 1 |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welding IL: SENSE1 | WEL-275 | 3 |
A Cost-Saving Option with Long-Term Value
Students who complete both years of the NIACC Career Center can save their families up to $10,000 in college tuition costs while gaining real experience and credentials.
This option works well for students who:
- Learn best through hands-on experiences
- Want to explore careers early
- Are motivated to get ahead
- Want a smoother transition from high school to career or college
How to Enroll
Enrollment begins through the student’s high school counselor, who can help families understand eligibility, scheduling, and program options.
Open houses will be announced as construction is completed. Families will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet instructors, and ask questions.
We look forward to welcoming your student and supporting them as they take this next step toward college and career readiness.