Chester High School offers many things, one being CCSI, Career Center of Southern Illinois in Red Bud, IL. CCSI is offered to juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing in and out of school. A bus takes you to and from CCSI. The bus leaves around 7:40 and departs from CCSI at 10:20. You get back 5th hour and finish out your classes at Chester. It is a good choice for students who don’t know what route they want to major in or are certain of it. Each class has a fee of $75 for the year and materials/textbooks fluctuate depending on the class.
CCSI offers Auto Collision Repair, if you are interested in going into auto body. Students will learn the use of hand tools, basic painting, straightening procedures, safe work practices, and preparing vehicle surfaces for painting. It provides a Certificate of Completion with skills check-offs listed on the certificate for each individual based on how they performed in a variety of tasks. Safety glasses and respirator fees are $30, along with the yearly $75.
If you are looking to go into the automotive industry CCSI offers automotive services. You will learn the fundamentals principles related to auto technology, safe maintenance, service and repair of electrical systems, engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, heating and air conditioner, automatic transmission, and manual drive. CCSI provides Certificate of Completion with skills check-offs listed on the certificate for each individual based on how they performed in a variety of tasks. Safety glasses are $5, along with the yearly $75.
If you are interested in being a teacher or a child care provider, there is an early childhood education offered. You will gain knowledge of the career and skills needed to work with children. Students gain practical hands-on experience with children during on site at CCSI. You have the opportunity to get CPR certified, create a Gateways to Opportunities account and begin completing classes that are required for working in a daycare/preschool program in the state of Illinois, CCSI provided certificate of completion. Child care has a $75 dollar class fee.
If you are planning on going to the health field, health occupations would be a great way to start. You will be exposed to countless careers in the health field, learn basic medical knowledge, and concentrate on becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant in the state of Illinois. Students will practice hands-on care in nursing laboratories and clinical settings. you could earn a CNA license by meeting all the requirements and completing clinicals and then passing your state test, this class is also offered dual credit so the opportunity is there to earn college credit from SWIC. Health occupations have a $110 textbook fee and the yearly $75.
Law enforcement is offered at CCSI. There are many fields in law enforcement including police officers, detectives, lawyers, etc. You can go to receive hands-on scenario based instruction in crime scene investigation, communication with the public, field observations, patrolling techniques, and radio communication. Law enforcement is available as dual credit through SWIC. Law enforcement has a $75 class fee.
Lastly, welding is offered. Students will be exposed to a variety of welding processes, equipment, materials, techniques, trade terms, and safety. Students will learn to perform skills in stick. TIG, MIG, flux core welding, air carbon cutting, plasma arc cutting, oxy-propylene hand and automatic cutting, aluminum, and mid steel. Welding students may bring their own materials that are listed and can also buy them through the school. Possibilities to get a dual credit through SWIC, CCSI provided Certificate of Completion with skills check-offs listed on the certificate for each individual based on how they performed in a variety of tasks. Welding gloves are $15, safety glasses are $5, cutting classes are $10, welding hoods are $60, and the class fee is $75.
There are also internship opportunities that can be arranged, typically for second year students, by vocational instructors.
CSSI is a great place to get your career started. It is also a great place to go to see what you like even if you are unsure of your future career, CSSI can help you figure out your route! If you plan on going out there applications for CCSI will be given out when schedules are started for the year of 24-25. Mrs. Hawkins will answer any questions you may have when the time comes!
