What classes would you take if went back to school? Here are some of Beaufort County’s coolest

Admit it. You probably didn’t appreciate your school’s class offerings when it came time to leaf through the pamphlet and select your courses.

Maybe you decided on your classes based on what your best friend was doing and now have remedial Russian skills. Maybe you took too many AP courses. You didn’t realize that high school might be the only (free) chance you had to try your hand at something you never could again.

If you could do it all over, what would you choose? The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette looked through Beaufort County schools’ career and technical course catalog and selected 12 of what we think are their coolest class offerings with their definitions, edited for clarity.

These courses are mainly for students in 7-12 grades and aim to lead to career concentrations, work-based learning opportunities, and/or industry credentials, according to the district’s website.

Building Construction

Students are prepared to apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties in an environmentally friendly way. With a focus on Natural Resources and Green Construction, students will also be exposed to instruction in masonry, carpentry, and electrical installation, building/construction finishing, management, inspection, and other construction-related applications

Forestry

Forestry teaches technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the production, protection and management of timber and specialty forest resources. Hands-on activities include assessing forest growth, planting trees, learning how game management preserves and recreation areas such as state parks are maintained. Students participate in personal and community leadership development activities, plan and implement a relevant work-based learning transition experience, and participate in Future Farmers of America activities.

Wildlife Management

The Wildlife Management course is for students interested in working in wildlife or game management fields. The course is a combination of subject matter and planned learning experiences of the principles involved in the conservation and/or improvement of natural resources such as air, soil, water, land, forest, and wildlife for economic and recreational purposes. Instruction also emphasizes such factors as the establishment, management, and operation of land for recreational purposes.

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine emphasizes the prevention of athletic injuries, including the components of exercise science, anatomy, principles of safety, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and vital signs. Subject matter will also include discussion of legal issues, members of the sports medicine team, nutrition, protective sports equipment, environmental safety issues, taping and wrapping, mechanisms of injury, and application of other sports medicine concepts.

Travel and Tourism Management

This course is designed for students who have decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. After completion of this course students will possess the knowledge and skills to advance rapidly in a career or in an institution of higher learning. This course includes career exploration, safety, security, and environmental management, leadership, management, marketing and sales, and an in-depth study of the hospitality and tourism segments. Intensive laboratory and field experiences are integral parts of this course.

Master Hair Care (Barbering)

The Barber/Master Hair Care Specialist Program is designed to prepare students to become Registered Barbers or Master Hair Care Specialists. The student receives training following the guidelines and regulations established by the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Barber Board.

Students will perform techniques and arts such as hair cutting and styling, facial treatments, trimming and shaving of facial hair, chemical hair relaxing, tinting, coloring, shampooing, and rinsing. Instruction in chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy and physiology of the face, head, arms, and hands is incorporated by means of theory and practical application on both mannequins and live models. Also included in the course of study is barber shop/salon planning and management.

Cosmetology

The Cosmetology Program is designed to prepare students to qualify and successfully complete all requirements for a South Carolina Cosmetology license. The student receives training following the guidelines and regulations established by the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Cosmetology Board.

The course of study includes Sanitation and Safety, Professionalism and Salon Management, Sciences of Cosmetology, Professional Hair Care Skills, Professional Nail Care Skills, Professional Skin Care Skills, and Unassigned Specific Needs. Instruction in chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy and physiology of the face, head, arms, and hands is incorporated by means of theory and of practical application on both mannequins and live models.

Nail Technology

The Nail Technology program is designed to prepare students to become licensed nail technicians. Nail Technology students receive training in the art and science of the care and beautification of nails. The student receives training following the guidelines and regulations established by the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Cosmetology Board.

The course of study includes instruction in diseases and disorders, chemistry, biology and anatomy, and physiology of the arms, hands, and feet. Manicures, pedicures, tips, sculptures, gel nails and wraps are incorporated by means of theory and practical application on both mannequins and live models. Also included in the course of study is salon planning and management.

Computer Repair and Service

The Computer Repair and Service course prepares students to perform tasks related to computer repair. Students receive instruction in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of computer-based technology. Instruction may also include mobile devices, peripheral devices, networking, and laptops. Laboratory activities provide instruction in installation, configuration, troubleshooting, component replacement, operating systems, and upgrades in accordance with industry certification standards.

Welding Technology

Welding Technology is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform cutting and welding applications used in the construction industry or in advanced manufacturing. Students will develop proficiency in fundamental safety practices in welding, interpreting drawings, creating computer-aided drawings, identifying and using joint designs, and efficiently laying out parts for fabrication. This program will provide the students with skills in basic Shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, Flux core arc welding, Gas tungsten arc welding, as well as quality control methods.

Fire Fighting

This program prepares students to work toward initial Fire Fighter I certifications & standards as noted by the South Carolina Fire Academy. Students will learn how to use fire-fighting equipment within training simulations; principles of fire science and combustible substances, methods of controlling different types of fires, hazardous material handling and control, fire rescue procedures, public relations and applications laws and regulations. Students will also be required to successfully complete First Aid/CPR training.

Marine Technology (Boat and Engine Repair)

In this program, students are exposed to service and repair of watercraft and marina operations, students learn marine trade skills in areas including shop and boating safety, inboard and outboard systems, carpentry, electricity, and vessel storage/handling. The course is based on the National Marine Trades Curriculum, developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council.