PHOENIXVILLE - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a student in a career and technical program? Phoenixville Area Middle School professionals found out firsthand on Friday, October 16, when they spend part of their inservice day at the Center for Arts & Technology (CAT) Pickering campus.

This Friday, Phoenixville Area Middle School administration, faculty and staff will spend a day in the life of a CAT Pickering student. These professionals will follow a modified exploratory student schedule. The modified schedule will mimic the school's Ninth Grade Exploratory program that offers ninth grade students the opportunity to experience three career and technical programs before they become fully enrolled in a program in grades ten through twelve. The program is designed to help students choose a career and technical program in which to enroll in the tenth grade and to assist their career development plans.

The guests from Phoenixville Area Middle School will participate in activities in the career and technical education programs to get a better understanding of how CAT Pickering's programs operate and the proficiency levels required of prospective students to be successful in their chosen careers.

According to Rich Teifel, supervisor of Career and Technical Programs, eighth grade students from sending school districts have the opportunity to see a recruitment video, see demonstrations by CAT Pickering students and tour the campus when considering a career and technical education.

"We thought it would be advantageous for the teachers who work with these students on a daily basis be better informed regarding the career choices their students are exposed to at our school," said Teifel. "We hope they can better mentor their students to make good career decisions having experienced our programs firsthand."

This day of exploration also helps to fulfill portions of both CAT Pickering's and Phoenixville Area School District's strategic plans. Such plans include CAT Pickering's strategic plan to establish and improve partnerships with the community, business/industry and educational institutions, and Phoenixville Area School District's plan to explore 21st century learning skills.

About the Center for Arts & Technology Pickering Campus

The Center for Arts & Technology (CAT) Pickering Campus is a comprehensive public high school specializing in career and technical education. Its goal is to provide students with the academic and technical preparation necessary to continue their education, launch their careers and become lifelong learners. CAT Pickering is operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) on behalf of the 12 school districts of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please visit www.catpickering.org or call 610-933-8877.