As part of our manufacturing-focused program, students visit local companies to learn how different kinds of businesses run in the "real world." Thanks to our partners, students also have the opportunity to gain work experience through our job shadowing and internship programs.
In 2010, Austin Polytech unveiled a state of the art Manufacturing Technology Center, which features the same computerized, high-tech equipment used by modern manufacturers today. Our machining program allows students to earn nationally-recognized certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
APA's goal is to educate the next generation of leaders in all aspects of manufacturing, from skilled production and engineering to management and company ownership.
Our ultimate goal is to teach the problem-solving, communication, and real-world job skills that will enhance our graduates' career opportunities in any field they choose.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
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Academics |
Career Preparation |
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Engineering Courses: Project Lead the Way Intro to Design & Principles of Engineering |
Interviews with Engineers and guest speakers in the class room |
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Courses in math/Algebra, English, history and science classes, computer technology & job readiness, business, Spanish |
Learn about the vast career & business opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing through field trips: C. Cretors Company, Eli’s Cheesecake, Mazak and Winzeler Gear |
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Visit colleges: Northwestern University, Wright & Daley Colleges |
Practice job interviewing, resume writing, making presentations, computer skills, and practicing soft skills, join SkillsUSA |
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Learn what being an APA student is all about: APA mission, vision, history, the opportunities unique to being an APA student |
Summer Job Opportunities: Partner Recruitment Specialist, NIMS credential training |
Junior Year
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Academics |
Career Preparation |
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Engineering Course: Project Lead the Way Digital Electronics |
NIMS Credential Machining Class, earn up to 3 industry credentials! |
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Visit colleges: NIU, Northwestern University, UIC |
Start planning for your life after high school: Visit manufacturing trade shows IMTS/FABTech and career days field trips |
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Start your college applications, take ACT practice tests and the actual ACT test |
First Job Shadow experience, work at a summer job |
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Math, English, history and science classes |
Participate in seminars: Core Values, Soft Skills, What it means to have a Career, Personal Goals, Networking, Importance of Thank you letters, Interviewing goes both ways |
Senior Year
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Academics |
Career Experience |
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AP Classes, Engineering Capstone Class, Machine Shop II, and/or Internship |
Earn college credit, demonstrate your expertise, earn working experience, NIMS credentials and/or certificates of accomplishment |
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Turn in college, FAFSA and scholarship applications |
Write out your After-Graduation-Action-Plan, what is Plan A, Plan B and Plan C? |
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Visit colleges: NIU, Northwestern University, UIC |
Manufacturing field trips and trade shows: Mazak Career Day, Labelmaster |
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Manufacturing comes alive through making connections in math, English, history and science classes |
Practice job interviewing, resume writing, making presentations, computer skills, and practicing soft skills |
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Participate in seminars: Core Values, Soft Skills, What it means to have a Career, Personal Goals, Networking, Importance of Thank you letters, Interviewing goes both ways |
Second Job Shadow experience and/or Spring Break Internship |
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Write about your work experience, what have you learned, what did you observe, how does this experience compare and contrast to other working or educational experiences. |
Summer Job Opportunities: work at a manufacturing company, practice the skills you have learned and learn new ones |
Alumni, 1-3 years after Graduation
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Academics |
Career Experience |
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Keep in touch through APA Alumni Program! |
Keep in touch through APA Alumni Program! |
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Post-Engineering Technology (4 Classes) Certificate |
Work part or full time in a manufacturing company |
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Continue earning NIMS certifications |
Successful Work Experience – 1st Promotion |
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Enroll in an Associate’s Degree Program |
Successful Work Experience – 2nd Promotion |
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Enroll in a Bachelors Degree program |
Career Path Established – Company & Employee |
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Keep in touch through APA Alumni Program – Serve as a mentor to an APA student |
Keep in touch through APA Alumni Program – Serve as a mentor to an APA student |
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The APA Career Program is operated by the Center for Labor & Community Research (CLCR). To learn more, please contact Erica Swinney at eswinney@clcr.org or (773) 534-6326.
