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.
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 Academies Available
The Health Academy is for any student interested in pursuing a career in the health field. It combines practical hands-on classes with general education courses which makes it a good fit for any student. Some students that attend the Heath Academy may enter the workforce after high school while others may pursue advanced degrees. The academy prepares students to enter NIACC programs such as Associate Degree Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing (LPN), Medical Assistant, and Physical Therapist Assistant. It also prepares students to transfer to a four-year college to earn degrees in other health related fields.
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 |
|---|---|
| Intro to Biology | BIO-102 |
| Intro to Biology Lab | BIO-103 |
| Professionals in Health | HSC-107 |
| Medical Terminology I | HSC-120 |
| Medical Terminology II | HSC-121 |
| Nurse Aide Theory | HSC-173 |
| Nurse Aide Clinical | HSC-174 |
| Intro to Psychology | PSY-111 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Chemistry | CHM-110 |
| Intro to Chemistry Lab | CHM-111 |
| Composition I | ENG-105 |
| Developmental Psychology | PSY-121 |
| Composition II | ENG-106 |
| Body Structure and Function | HSC-150 |
| Public Speaking | SPC-112 |
The Construction Trades Academy prepares students for work in residential and commercial construction. Students will be exposed to extensive hands-on learning by working on real construction projects. Students will also have lecture time where they will learn about safety, construction drawing, CAD, and blueprint reading. Students can enroll in the academy for two years. Upon completion of all classes, students earn a NIACC Building Trades Diploma which will allow them to go directly to the workforce in the construction industry.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| OSHA for Construction | CON-103 |
| Construction Drawing | CON-110 |
| Construction Safety | CON-177 |
| Construction Math and Measurement | CON-360 |
| Carpentry Fundamentals I | CON-521 |
| Carpentry Fundamentals II | CON-253 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number |
|---|---|
| Workplace Professionalism | BUS-162 |
| Blueprint Reading and Estimating | CON-112 |
| Building Codes and Standards | CON-117 |
| Carpentry I | CON-255 |
| Project Management & Leadership Development | CON-460 |
| Architectural CADD | CAD-216 |
| Carpentry II | CON-256 |
| Commercial Construction | CON-272 |
| Internship: Industrial Technology | WBL-308B |
The Welding Academy is a two-year program designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to build real-world skills and prepare for a variety of career pathways. Students learn through a blend of hands-on training and focused classroom instruction, developing a strong foundation in welding techniques, safety practices, and industry standards.
Students who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to earn a Welding Diploma while still in high school. This head start prepares graduates to enter the workforce with in-demand skills or continue at NIACC to pursue advanced training and additional credentials.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Skills and Safety in Industry | IND-190 |
| Applied Math A | MAT-801 |
| Applied Math C | MAT-803 |
| Welding Blueprint Reading | WEL-110 |
| GMAW Short Circuit Transfer: SENSE 1 | WEL-244 |
| 3-D Modeling | MFG-110 |
| GMAW Spray Transfer: SENSE 1 | WEL-245 |
| GTAW for Carbon Steel: SENSE1 | WEL-251 |
Second Year
| Course Name | Course Number |
|---|---|
| Workplace Professionalism | BUS-162 |
| Thermal Cutting Processes 1 – Manual and Mechanical Oxyfuel Cutting: SENSE 1 | WEL-262 |
| Shielded Metal Arc Weld I | WEL-274 |
| FCAW (Self-Shielded): SENSE 1 | WEL-280 |
| FCAW (Gas-Shielded): SENSE 1 | WEL-281 |
| Welding Fabrication/Certification | WEL-240 |
| Welding Automation | WEL-250 |
| GTAW Aluminum: SENSE 1 | WEL-252 |
| GTAW Stainless Steel: SENSE 1 | WEL-253 |
| SMAW II: SENSE 1 | WEL-275 |
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.