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S P O N S O R E D P RO F I L E S 60 S T U F F • 2 0 1 8 • StuffMadeinMA.com Worcester Technical High School: Future Focused and Technology Driven Worcester Technical High School Address: 1 Skyline Dr., Worcester, MA 01605 Phone: 508-799-1940 Principal: Kyle Brenner District: Worcester Public School System Number of students: 1,440 Founded: 1910 Lowest grade: Ninth grade W hen Worcester Technical High School (WTHS) opened its doors in 2006 the world looked vastly different – technologically speaking. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were just gaining traction; video gaming was entering its infancy; web development was somewhat basic; and computers were years away from the capabilities they now have. In the ensuing years, technology has improved greatly; and the course offerings at WTHS have clearly kept pace. Students not only have an opportunity to learn the basics of computer science, from diagnosing problems and maintaining servers to programming, coding and network support services, but they also play an active role in keeping the school's technology up and running. Front-Line Technicians Susan Leboeuf, ISSN (Information Support Services & Network) instructor, indicates that students in the IT, ISSN and web development tracks are on the front line, managing every aspect of the school's computer network system. The skills and experience students gain in the technology fields form a strong foundation for careers in the manufacturing industry, Leboeuf emphasizes. "Every phase of what we touch involves computers, from 3-D printing, machine tech, the electro-mechanical shop and drafting. Everything in manufacturing is programmed to a computer with specifications, which the computer reads to the machine." Teachers in the school's 22 trades rely on the students in the technology shops to troubleshoot when computer glitches occur. For example, in the automotive department students use a simulator that presents different scenarios; students identify potential problems and figure out how to fix them. "It's a way for students to do this in a safe setting before going out into the field," Leboeuf says. But when that infrastructure fails to operate properly, technology students diagnose and fix the issue so the shop can get back to business. ACADEMIES: Alden Design & Engineering Academy • Advanced Manufacturing • Auto Collision • Auto Tech • Drafting • Robotics & Automation Technology • Welding Tool Technology Allied Health & Human Services Academy • Allied Health • Biotechnology • Cosmetology • Early Childhood Education • Veterinary Assisting Coghlin Construction Technology Academy • Carpentry • Electrical • HVAC/R • Painting and Design Technology • Plumbing and Pipe Fitting IT and Business Services Academy • Culinary Arts • Finance and Marketing • Graphic Communications • Hotel and Tourism Management • Information support Services and Networking • Programming and Web Development