Octorara Area Career & Technical Education Programs: Where careers begin
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f your idea of a great education extends no further than what is absorbed in a traditional classroom, then spend some time with students enrolled in the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Program’s Homeland Security & Protective Services They undergo rigorous training exercises. They receive ¿rst-hand experience in ¿re¿ghting, emergency medical services, vehicle and water rescue and law enforcement from professional ¿re¿ghters and emergency ¿rst responders. They climb into EMS and ¿re¿ghting vehicles and participate in real-life situations. In partnership with the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus, the Academy prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills required to perform entry-level duties in law enforcement, ¿re¿ghting, emergency medical services, and other safety services. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity for our students,” said Lisa McNamara, the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education administrator. “They’re giving back to their community, immediately. They have access to every industry that comes there: Fire¿ghters, canine units, EMTs, FBI, police o൶cers, and many more. The daily exposure to life mentors that this program gives students is amazing. “The key bene¿t is that they will graduate from the program with over 64 industry credentials, and if they choose to go to a two-year or four-year college, the credentials may convert to college credits, and qualify them for free college housing and tuition.” The Octorara Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy hired John Narcise, as their new law enforcement instructor. John Narcise started his law enforcement career in 1984. During John’s career he worked as a patrol o൶cer and investigator and has served in the Millbourne, SEPTA, West Chester, and Willistown police departments. Throughout the years John was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, to Lieutenant, and then promoted to the rank of Chief of Police for the Willistown police department and has served in that capacity for the past 30 years until his retirement in 2020. John was a labor negotiator for the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 11 and has served on many hiring, promotion, discipline and policy boards. He also served on the Opioid Drug Task Force and is a member of the International Chief’s of Police. John currently serves as President of Bluebeards for Charity. John is a graduate of West Chester University with a Master of Science Degree in Administration and also holds an Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy #218 and has taken specialized training in Interviewing, Leadership, and Statement Analysis. John is a member of the
International Honor Society in Social Science. The Homeland Security and Protective Academy now has instructors for ¿re, law, and emergency medical. Students may now choose the discipline they want, however participating in the Academy for all three years would provide students with over 64 industry credentials and prepare them in all ¿rst responder disciplines, and possibly award them up to 50 college credits. The Academy is just one of eleven programs in the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Program, each designed to provide hands-on experience and develop practical skills that prepare students for careers in animal and plant science, business academy, child care education, computer technology, culinary arts, engineering and drafting technology, homeland security and protective services, graphic design and illustration, mechanical systems technology, woodworking technology and diversi¿ed occupations. Each program introduces students to representatives from some of the largest industries in Chester County and beyond, which partner with the Octorara Area School District: Dutchland, Inc.; Aerezon, USA; Land O’Lakes, SECCRA, and many other companies. Partnership may include site visits to each program to explore how these companies can help students learn, or support the programs through grant funding. Occasionally, students are hired right out of the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Programs. While enrolled in these programs, students get to learn from teachers who come to the school with years of professional experience. Octorara continues to add courses in ¿elds that appeal to students and have practical application after graduation. Within the Animal and Plant Science Technology program, students may participate in the Octorara Equine Sports Team. Working with nationally known local professionals, students are exposed to di൵erent riding disciplines and prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the equestrian industry. McNamara stated, “The Animal and Plant Science Technology Program is open to any school district that has a student interested in equine industry. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and Octorara students love it!” Placing students directly with experienced professionals serves as a recruitment tool for potential employers, McNamara said. “We have begun to see a growing gap that separates education from the practical and technical skill sets that employers want to see, and our programs ¿ll that gap,” she said. “Educational systems have to reach out to industries and ask them, ‘What do you want and what do you need?’ They’re telling us, ‘We need trained and focused skills in our industry.’” To learn more about all nine Octorara Area Career & Technical Education Program opportunities, visit www.octorara.k12.pa.us, or contact Lisa McNamara at 610-593-8238.