H.C. Wilcox Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, is offering a limited number of seats to grade 10, 11 and 12  students from Francis T. Maloney High School and Orville H. Platt High School in the Meriden Public Schools to participate in an after school, career training program.

The Career Academy program will graduate students with two and a half CTE credits towards a high school diploma and industry-recognized credentials in one of four in-demand trade areas: Culinary, Graphic Design, Electrical and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

The Career Academy program gives students a jump-start on their career by preparing them with technical and employability skills aligned with entry-level industry positions.

  • Industry Recognized Certifications

  • Up to 2.5 high school credits

  • Creative, Hands-on After School Activity

  • Convenient Schedule (3:30 – 5:00 PM)

  • Transportation Provided

  • No program fees

Credentials Earned

  • ServSafe Managers Certification
  • ServSafe Allergen Certification

Career Pathways

  • Executive or Sous Chef, Line Cook
  • Food Scientist
  • Food Service Management
  • Banquet and Catering Services

College Pathways

Two-year or four-year degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality or Food Service Management.

Credentials Earned

  • OSHA 10 Certification
  • Fluke Meter Certification

Career Pathways

  • Residential, Commercial or Industrial Electrician
  • Electrical Maintenance
  • Electrical Inspector
  • Electrical Linesperson
  • Sales Representative

College Pathways

Two-year or four-year degree in electrical, electrical engineering, construction management or other related fields.

Credentials Earned

  • OSHA 10 Certification
  • LOTO Certification

Career Pathways

  • Refrigeration, Sheet Metal or HVAC Technician
  • Heating and Cooling Mechanic
  • Self-Employed Contractor
  • Boilermaker
  • Engineering (Plant or Mechanical)
  • Energy Management

College Pathways

Two-year or four-year degree in mechanical engineering or other related fields.

Career Pathways

  • Graphic Designer
  • Art Director
  • Pre-Press Technician
  • Editor

College Pathways

Two-year or four-year degree in graphic design, illustration, new media, interactive development or other related fields.

“I’ve done baking and cooking in the past, but I’ve never taken a real serious class. The Career Academy is helping me for my future career and will help build my resume.”

Tyler Kohlun, Grade 10, Culinary

“I would encourage students to try the Career Academy because you learn a lot of skills you wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Skyler Travis, Grade 11, Culinary

“I wanted to come to the Career Academy because I like hands-on work and I want to be able to build stuff for myself in the future, instead of hiring someone else to do it. I have goals I want to work towards.”

Nathan Cintron, Carpentry

Applications can be picked up in the Meriden school counseling offices or will be shared with families via email. Please complete the application in its entirety, have your parent/guardian sign, and return the application to your school counselor. Your counselor will complete the rest and submit it to the Career Academy. Applicants will be contacted by H.C. Wilcox once accepted to the program.

For application questions or for more information, please contact your school counselor:

Maloney School Counseling Department: (203) 238-2334, ext 8350
Platt School Counseling Department: (203) 235-7962, ext 7709