What is West Sound Technical Skills Center?
We'd like to introduce you to West Sound Technical Skills Center. We are an eight school district educational cooperative serving students in the Bremerton, Central Kitsap, North Kitsap, North Mason, Peninsula, Quilcene, Bainbridge Island and South Kitsap School Districts as an off-campus training site extension of the sending high schools.
The Skills Center provides an opportunity for students between the ages of 16 and 21 or in grades 11 or 12 to receive job training as part of the public educational system at no cost to the student. This provides students with the opportunity to get a jump-start on a post secondary education.
Our students learn the technical knowledge and skills to either gain them advanced placement in apprenticeships, technical schools, two and four year colleges and universities, or go directly to entry-level employment in a vocation.
What Is The Cost To Attend?
Nothing. Career exploration is provided to students at no cost. Students get the opportunity to explore technical skills. Upon completion of summer school, students will earn a 0.5 elective credit. Lunch is provided free of charge.
Our success rate is high for students going on to further education and for students gaining employment after graduation. This is largely due to having an outstanding teaching staff of professionals from industry with many years of experience in their fields.
We're proud of our students' and staffs' educational accomplishments every day and we invite you to come in and see for yourself how West Sound Tech can teach you the skills you need to help you secure a successful future.
Who May Attend?
Students who are Junior and Senior High School students enrolled in one of the 25 high schools (including alternative schools) in the 9 school districts: Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, South Kitsap, North Mason, Peninsula, Port Townsend and Quilcene.
Is There Transportation From My School?
Bus transportation is provided by each of the school districts at no cost to the students. Students wishing to drive must have the permission of their parents and sending school principal.
When Do Classes Meet?
Classes meet in three period blocks in the morning and afternoon so students can be enrolled in other classes at their sending schools. Morning Classes are from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM and afternoon classes meet from 11:10 AM to 1:40 PM.
Why Would I Want To Attend WST?
Attending WST gives high school students the opportunity to learn a job skill while still in high school. Skills learned at WST can help pay college expenses. Graduating from high school, students may go directly to work. The skills learned at WST help students find jobs. Instructors know of several well-paying jobs in the community and will assist students in finding employment.
Where Is WST Located?
WST is located at 101 National Avenue North in Bremerton, just one block South of the intersection of Kitsap Way and National Avenue and about four blocks from the junction of Highways 3 and 16. Driving directions!
What Programs Are Available?
There are several programs to select from, they are: 3D Animation and Gaming, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Construction Careers, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Design Technology, Esthetics, Public Safety Occupations, Professional Medical Careers, and Welding Technology.
Do Student Earn High School Credit?
Certainly. Area high schools issue credits which count toward high school graduation. Some classes may count for partial credit in required subjects such as Math, Science and English.
Can I Earn College Credit?
Yes. Most programs allow students the opportunity to get Tech Prep college credit for what they do in the program when they receive an “A” or “B” grade.
How Are Students Graded?
Student progress is evaluated and letter grades are earned each quarter, trimester and semester. Students are graded on employability skills and program competencies. Certificate of Competency listing those competencies or skills learned during training are awarded upon program completion. Grades are recorded on high school report cards and transcripts.
Is There Food At WST?
Our Food Service/Culinary Arts program offers a deli counter where students can purchase sandwiches and pastries. Vending machines also provide snack items and pop.
Where Do I Get More Information?
For general information, contact West Sound Technical Skills Center at (360)473-0550 between the hours of 7 AM and 3:30 PM or e-mail us at loretta.robinett@bremertonschools.org. For the e-mail or phone of a specific program or person, please view the phone & e-mail directory on the contact page.