Open house at tech center

Students, parents and the public are invited to explore the 30 career and technical education programs at the Chesterfield Technical Center during an open house on Mar. 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Through the center, students can enroll in a technical education program and still maintain a college-preparatory schedule at their high school. Students in some tech center courses can also earn college credit through the community college system.

"For many students, this is the best of both worlds," said Mike Rose, executive principal. "They can graduate with a high school diploma, a marketable skill, real job experience and the academic background necessary for college admission."

Beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the technical center will add medical assistant and nail technician courses.

The technical center also offers instruction in veterinary science, culinary arts, plumbing and pipefitting, dental occupations, Web design, 3-D animation and digital production, child development, practical nursing, cosmetology and many other fields.

For more information, call the technical center at 768-6160 or visit chesterfield.k12. va.us/Schools/CTC.