Stroll down for a description of IVROP courses.

ACCOUNTING (COMPUTERIZED) - Prerequisite: Keyboarding skills of 25 words per minute. This course provides students with instruction, both manual and computerized, in the area of accounting/record keeping, basic payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and computerized spreadsheets.

ADVANCED WOODWORKING – This course will introduce and reinforce personal safety, usage of tools and machinery used in the cabinet making process leading to machining and construction of cabinet casework. Tool identification and function, materials and adhesives, basic shop math, and shop plans are included.

AG FABRICATION/WELDING – This course will prepare students in all aspects of project construction in the industry, including blueprint reading, tool and equipment use, safety, metallurgy, and specific welding processes. This course is articulated with Imperial College.

AG MECHANICS II – Prerequisite: Must be willing to participate in FFA.  Course is designed to develop skills beyond those of basic introduction. Students will experience good shop management of tools and farm equipment. Emphasis is placed on the student to undertake and complete projects with minimum supervision. Students will weld fabrication using gas and arc welding. This course is articulated with Imperial College.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY – Central Union High School’s program is approved by NATEF and students completing the course successfully are eligible to take the ASE exam in brakes; electrical; suspension and steering; and engine performance. This course gives students both theory and hands-on. Instruction includes understanding of the basic skills necessary to enter the field of automotive repair and to prepare for national certification examinations. This course provides a study and practice of shop safety, automotive technician tools, brakes, electrical systems and engine performance. This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College and Cuyamaca College.

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP – What could be more rewarding and exciting than being your own boss? This innovative class will teach you about the ins and outs of starting a business. You will learn about all aspects of starting a business. For example, you will study legal forms of business ownership, assistance available for starting a business, how to plan a market survey and strategy, how to prepare a financial plan, and choose a business location.

CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING –This course, provides classroom instruction and hands-on training in the area of police organization, criminal law, patrol procedures, traffic enforcement, report writing, criminal investigations, juvenile law, narcotics and dangerous drugs, special services theories of criminology, special police enforcement, disaster control measures, self defense, jail operations, security officer training, police weapons, firearms, baton, weapons and chemical agents, career development, reading, community relations, attitudes and behavior.

CAREERS WITH CHILDREN – Prerequisite: 1) Must have the Department of Justice fingerprinting and child abuse index clearance; and 2) Must take a test for tuberculosis clearance.  This course provides students with the skills necessary for entry-level jobs in child care occupations.  Instruction will include on-the-job experience in caring for infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children in various settings.  This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College.

COMMUNITY OFFICE OCCUPATIONS – Prerequisite: One year of keyboarding and demonstrate abilities in business English, business math and general business. This course prepares students for entry-level jobs as office clerks, receptionists, and clerk typists. Through a combination of classroom theory and practical experience, students learn or upgrade office skills, office procedures, use reference materials, filing, telephone techniques, machine calculation, and simple business records. This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College.

COMPUTER ASSISTED DRAFTING - Prerequisite: Equivalent of one year computer training and/or demonstrated proficiency in computer operation and/or one year of geometry, and/or basic drafting course. This course gives the students an understanding of how to utilize Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) software and equipment for the purpose of being productive in occupations, which require visual information skills.

COMPUTER DESIGN AND ANIMATION - This course gives students both theory and hands-on experience in computer design and related occupations. This course provides a study and practice of computer illustration to create 2D and 3D logos, advertising material, presentations, and promotional items.

COMPUTER REPAIR – This course prepares students to learn to operate, repair maintain, and upgrade computer equipment, as well as, different electronic components. Students prepare to take the A+ Certification examination.

COMPUTERIZED OFFICE SYSTEMS – Prerequisite: Keyboarding of 35 words per minute or completed one year of keyboarding and ability to work well independently. This course prepares students for entry-level jobs in word processing and computer operations.  Students will receive training in word processing, data entry, electronic spreadsheet and data base management applications.  Courses also taught in units for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.  This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College.

CULINARY ARTS - The Culinary Arts program prepares students for careers in the rapidly expanding hospitality industry. Students learn to prepare food in restaurant and catering type settings. Instruction includes: kitchen terminology, culinary nutrition, food sanitation, menu production, food pairing, recipe analysis, meat identification, product knowledge, demonstration of skills and much more. The course offers students an opportunity to view careers in the food service industry and provides a basic knowledge as the beginning of a foundation for advanced training in college level hotel and restaurant courses. The course helps prepare students for entry-level jobs in the commercial food industry.

DESKTOP PUBLISHING – This course provides entry-level skills in publishing and graphic communication.  Instruction will include state-of-the-art typesetting, designing with type, paste-up and print shop techniques.

DIESEL/FARM MECHANICS – Prerequisite:  Interest in mechanics and one year basic math and some welding experience.  This course will prepare students for entry-level positions as mechanics that service farm equipment and machinery, including skills in welding, small engine repair and farm equipment repair. This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College.

DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION – This course provides entry-level and intermediate training in the creation of video production and operation of digital equipment.  Instruction covers production of programming, listening and speaking skills, script writing and critical thinking.  Students use the video camera, editing equipment, special effects equipment/software and sound system.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY - This course is designed to develop entry-level skills for employment in the food service industry.  Instruction will include kitchen safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Sanitation, hands-on food preparation, restaurant servers, recipe conversion and entry level facets of cooking.

FIRE SCIENCE – Prerequisite:  Must able to communicate in English, physically fit and able to pass physical agility test as determined by the instructor (may be excluded from test with instructor’s permission).  This course is designed to develop proficiency in basic fire suppression skills in the following areas:  hose lines, ladders, salvage, breathing apparatus, ropes, knots, tools and equipment, ventilation, tactics and strategies, overhaul, communications and elementary hydraulics.

GENERAL CONTRACTING – This course is an introduction to the construction and building technology program.  Instruction includes safety, tools and machines, terminology, specialized skills, planning and design, blueprint reading, construction and manufacturing standards.

GRAPHIC DESIGN – This course provides instruction in basic design concepts, layout techniques, image editing, color enhancements, web designs and animation.  Instruction will include the creation of documents and projects in applying learned techniques.

INCOME TAX PREPARATION - Pre-requisites: Basic computer proficiency; ability to follow instructions, read and understand text material, and performs basic math computations; dress appropriate to business setting; and ability to maintain information confidential.  Classroom instruction includes an overview of income taxes; related laws and regulations; and completion of individual income tax forms, schedules, and tax tables.  Integrated throughout the course is financial literacy, basic academic skills, and problem solving. Instruction is supported by Taxwise software provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Students will receive 30 hours of classroom instruction including 15 hours of supervised field experience.

INTERIOR DESIGN – Through the use and application of art principles, the students will create aesthetically pleasing environments, which could enhance contemporary lifestyles.  Units in communication skills, housing options, budgets, selection of home furnishings, and art styles will prepare students to understand the physical, psychological, cultural, and social influences pertaining to complex housing decisions required for creating an esthetically desirable living environment.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE – This course trains students in practical experiences which involve locating, planting and maintaining turfs, plants, shrubs, trees, and other devices which help beautify residential and/or commercial grounds.  Students learn techniques of landscape design, ground preparation, ornamental horticulture, design installation and maintenance of automated water and light systems.

MEDICAL CLERICAL - This course trains students for medical office entry-level positions. Students learn medical office core topics including medical terminology, basic human anatomy and physiology, safety, work ethics, procedural diagnostic coding, universal claim form, problem solving, payroll, computerized appointment, and office administration. Job skills are developed by a combination of classroom instruction and unpaid and/or paid on-the-job training.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY – Learn structure of the human body, as well as terms related to the body system, radiology, pharmacology and surgery word parts and how to combine the parts to form medical terms.  Analyze, define, pronounce and spell medical terms.

NURSING ASSISTANT – Prerequisites/Requirements: Students must: 1) have GPA of 2.0 or better prior to enrollment; 2) have 8th grade reading level on a norm reference test prior to enrollment; 3) have basic math skills (add, multiply, divide, fractions);  4) have interest in this career; 5) maintain a grade of 70% or better while enrolled; 6) be a high school senior or 17 years of age or older; 7) maintain good attendance (95% required); 8) be capable of performing level of activity required for patient care (lifting 50 lbs., bending, twisting, turning, and/or transferring); 9) hold patient medical information, employee medical information and all medical record information in the strictest confidence during and after the training; 10) be aware that topics that may be considered controversial will be discussed (anatomy, physiology, child birth, birth control, etc.); 11) provide a nursing uniform, white shoes and second-hand watch; 12) take a health physical and tuberculosis test; 13) be aware that upon successful completion of the program, students will apply to take a Competency Skills Test provided by the California Department of Health Services ($90 fee applies; provide own transportation to a location outside of Imperial County; and site fee applies); 14) have the Department of Justice fingerprinting and child abuse index clearance (fees paid by IVROP), and 15) Name tag provided by IVROP). This course trains students for entry-level placement in health service occupations, specifically Nursing Assistant.  Students study a broad curriculum in medical occupations, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation practices. Students are taught professional ethics and patient relationship skills in a classroom setting and make practical application in a medical facility.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN – Prerequisites/Requirements: Students are required to adhere to the following upon enrollment and prior to submittal of application for Pharmacy Technician license to the California State Board of Pharmacy: 1) upon enrollment provide proof of high school diploma or graduation equivalency diploma, 2) maintain a grade of 80% or better while enrolled, 3) complete course with a 90% or higher, 4) maintain good attendance to complete 240 contact hours, 5) hold patient medical information in the strictest of confidence during and after the instruction, 6) be aware that topics that may be considered controversial will be discussed (anatomy, physiology, etc.),  7) have interest in this career, and 8) have ability to clear fingerprinting requirements through the Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigations. This course is designed to provide students with instruction on the entry-level role of a Pharmacy Technician and various career opportunities and settings.  Students will explore the Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology of the endocrine, nervous, respiratory, visual and auditory, gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.  Students will learn the classifications and indications of selected trade and generic drugs as emphasized with each part of the body system as well as indications and interactions, and common side effects of major drug classes.  Students will be prepared to understand and convert calculations related to measurements, dosing, and preparation of accurate medication administration. Students will learn proper aseptic techniques, uses of laminar flow hoods in the preparation of sterile prescriptions, policies and procedures of prescription, and medication orders.

PHOTOGRAPHY – This course will provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography. Students will also become familiar with photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes. Integrated within the scope of chemical based photography the students will be introduced to computer technology and digital photography. Students will also study famous photographs and photographers from the key monuments of the history of photography and how these photographers impacted this medium.

RENEWABLE RESOURCES – This course will train students on the common types of renewable energy sources, investigate and gather renewable resources, discuss social concerns on the development of renewable energies, identify sources of alternative energy that replace fossil fuel electrical generation, discuss the nation’s electrical transmission grid, explain the elements of a regional electrical transition, investigate solar thermal energy, evaluate solar absorption devices.

RETAIL TRADES – This course provides students with an opportunity to develop communication skills for personal success in the retail industry.  Students will develop good work habits and attitudes.  Areas to be taught include cashiering, shipping and receiving, stocking and customer relations.

SOLAR INSTALLATION – This course provides students a basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and working with solar conversion equipment.

STAGING AND THEATRE TECHNOLOGY – This course includes instruction in set construction, tools, technology and techniques. Topics include set/scenery design, lighting, sound, stage management, and use of computer technology.  Topics include safety rules and regulations, use of hand and power tools, basic set construction, general understanding of theater as collaborative art forms, understand the elements of running a rehearsal show, basic lighting, and basic sound equipment operations.

WELDING – This course prepares students with the skills necessary for entry-level positions within the welding field.  The training emphasis is on safe practices in welding, knowledge of welding equipment and supplies, and welding procedure in oxy-acetylene welding.  Training is given in basic math concepts and blueprint reading.  Skills tests are given at the end of each phase. This course is articulated with Imperial Valley College.

WIA ITA AIR CONDITIONING – This year course provides for entry level and upgrading of existing skills in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating installation. Jobs in the field include air conditioning installer and repair helper, refrigeration installer, and furnace installer. The course will cover basics of air conditioning and fundamentals of heating, silver brazing and soldering, and basic electricity.

WIA ITA FRONT AND BACK OFFICE – Students will learn medical office operations, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPPA), front office procedures, vital signs, and proper charting of medical filing.

WIA ITA JANITORIAL/CUSTODIAL – Students will learn general office care and proper cleaning and maintenance techniques for all types of floors, carpets, furniture and restrooms. Safety and accident prevention, proper use of cleaning chemicals and solutions are included. Hands-on use of power sweepers, vacuums, mops, electric floor scrubbers, buffing machines, carpet shampooing machines is provided. Self employment opportunities in janitorial services are discussed.

WIA ITA NURSING ASSISTANT – See description above

WIA ITA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN –  See description above.

WIA ITA RETAIL TRADES –  See description above.

WIA ITA SECURITY GUARD – This course prepares students to work as security guards, store detectives, or bodyguards in private industry. Students learn report writing, employee-employer relations, communications, basic alarm systems, law and the court process, and arrest procedure. Students completing the course will be eligible for the State Security Guard registration card.

WIA ITA TRUCK DRIVING – Prerequisite: Fees Apply. Must have valid California driver's license, minimum of 25 years of age, previous manual transmission experience, Department of Motor Vehicles H6 report (10 year history) dated within the last 30 days with no drug or alcohol related offenses on record in the last five (5) years and no moving violations in the last three (3) years.  This course gives qualified students the necessary entry level job skills and qualifications for interstate and local truck operation.  Upon successful completion of the course, student will be able to: 1) pass the required driving test required by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles for a class I license vehicle, 2) demonstrate skills and knowledge of the transportation industry to apply for and receive an entry level job in the trucking industry, and 3) meet the requirements, regulations, and laws of the Interstate Commerce Commission pertaining to the trucking industry.

WIA MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN – Is designed to provide training in air conditioning, commercial cleaning equipment, repair and maintenance of physical structures and perform minor carpentry work.