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STARKE COUNTY INITIATIVE
for LIFELONG LEARNING
An Industry Education Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

We have created this section of our website to answer frequently asked questions about SCILL and the programs that we offer. If you have a question that isn't answered below, please contact us for more information. 

Career and Technical Education Questions

How much will this program cost my family?

High school students do not pay any tuition for either the automotive technology or welding technology program. Your home high school absorbs the cost of tuition. Each student pays a nominal fee for uniforms and books for automotive technology, and there is a book fee for welding technology, along with a cost for a welding kit. The emergency medical course costs to student are book fee, physical, TB test, and standard 5-7 panel drug test.

Who is eligible for the SCILL Programs?

Any high school junior or senior that is enrolled in one of the 10 high schools that comprise the North Central CTE are eligible (Argos, Rochester, Triton, John Glenn, Plymouth, LaVille, Oregon-Davis, Knox, North Judson-San Pierre and Culver).

What if my son/daughter is home-schooled?

A home-schooled student living in the Argos, Rochester, Triton, John Glenn, Plymouth, LaVille, Oregon-Davis, Knox, North Judson-San Pierre or Culver school districts is eligible to attend either of our CTE high school programs, but they may be responsible for payment of tuition in those cases. Contact the CTE Director, Jennifer Felke at 574-914-4884 for more information.

Can my son/daughter enroll if they live outside the boundaries of the North Central CTE?

Students living outside North Central CTE's boundaries can attend either career and technical education program. Contact the CTE Director, Jennifer Felke at 574-914-4884 for more information. 

Who provides transportation to the CTE programs?

Check with your Counselor for bus transportation information.

All of the schools are on different calendars. Which calendar does SCILL follow?

Because Knox High School is our host school, SCILL follows their calendar, which can be found on the Knox High School website.

Do the CTE programs offer dual credit?

Yes, students in all programs receive dual credit from Ivy Tech Community College at no cost to the student. Those credits can be used at the issuing institutions or can be transferred to other institutions of higher learning.

Do all of your graduates go directly into the workplace in automobile repair, welding, or Emergency Medical Services?

In some cases, students in all CTE high school programs go directly into the workplace. Many of our automotive students go on to additional training education. Others have gone into careers in areas such as HVAC, diesel repair, the military or engineering. Many of our welding students go right into apprenticeship programs and EMS students go on to further their education or work into an EMT career. 

My son/daughter participates in extracurricular activities. Do they have to drop out of those activities to be in these CTE programs?

No. In fact, the opposite is true. We know that both colleges and employers appreciate a well-rounded student or employee, so we encourage our students to be involved.

My son/daughter is working toward an Academic Honors diploma. Do they have to give up that diploma to attend a CTE program?

Absolutely not, as each career and technical education program earns a student three high school credit hours. Those hours apply toward any type of diploma.

Adult Training

What programs does SCILL offer?

Currently, SCILL offers an adult Welding Program and a Step-Up Welding Program for the advanced welder. 

If I complete the Beginning Welding program, will I be employable?

In our immediate area and nationally, there is an acute need for qualified welders. Our participants submit welding coupons in an effort to earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Even if participants do not become certified, they can still find many welding opportunities and/or go on to additional specialized training in our Step-Up training class or at other schools.

What is the Step-Up welding class?

The Step-Up class is a highly individualized welding training program. Participants run the gamut from someone who wants to learn the basics of welding for home or hobby to someone with experience who wants to advance into more specialized areas or obtain American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Tuition is based on an evaluation by the instructor, who determines how many weeks of training will be necessary for that participant to reach the skill or certification level they desire.

How much do these programs cost?

Each program has a different cost associated with it; call SCILL for additional information.

Is there any tuition assistance available for these programs?

We work very closely with WorkOne to ensure our eligible students can earn a voucher to pay for their training. If you're interested, apply at your local WorkOne office or contact SCILL at (574) 772-8001 for more information.

If I take this training, are there jobs available in these fields?

SCILL has researched the local, regional and national need and value of any program it undertakes. SCILL also works with area employers to see what their needs are. Although there are no guarantees that you'll receive a job after completing this training, you'ill leave the program with job skills that should help you find suitable employment.

Does SCILL help with job placement?

Most of the SCILL training programs have built-in job fairs, resume writing help, and mock job interviews. Our goal is for our participants to go directly from their training into their new career. In most areas, if a student requires or desires additional training, we furnish that training.

Industry Training

Do you have a list of offerings for businesses?

No. Our training for industry is on an individualized basis. If your company has specific training needs, contact us and we can customize it.

Who do you use for your industrial training?

We are in such an ideal geographical location that we can pull in the expertise of a variety of educational institutions, along with professional services from the area. Contact us to fit your training needs.