The Industrial Technology program at Saint Bernard’s provides an excellent introduction for students who may want to explore the possibility of working in the trades or seek lifelong abilities for hobbies, maintenance of home and vehicles. The high school offers introductory, elective classes in basic automotive technology, home maintenance, drafting, woodworking and cabinetmaking.
With an introduction in the safe operation of equipment, the students construct a nightstand. They laminate the top and construct a drawer for enclosed storage. They also use the wood lathe to turn a plate or bowl. Students are required to draw the plans for the nightstand to reinforce the necessity to plan the work. The advanced class allows the student to construct a project of their own choice. Various methods of joining the wood are also taught using different machines and techniques to create similar joints.
Drafting is taught using traditional sketching techniques, the ‘T’ Square and triangles and computer aided design (CAD) software. Single views sketches, 3 view drawings and 3D are possible using traditional and electronic processes.
The basic automotive class covers the fundamental mechanical maintenance, exterior and interior cleaning and care along with changing a tire and learning how to read a map to reach a destination and return safely.
Home Maintenance covers the 3 main systems in the home: plumbing, electrical, heating. Soldering, threading and general maintenance are covered in these areas. Small engines are covered as part on the landscaping section. Exterior and interior maintenance requirements including sheetrock, shingles, siding, concrete and insulation will be included.
Saint Bernard’s also offers an introduction to Industrial Technology to middle school students. This program consists of the study of these 4 areas of study: Construction, Manufacturing, Communication, and Transportation. Students in grades 6 to 8 have the opportunity to build small projects that will relate to their area of study by grade level.
