A.W. Beattie Career Center Excels in Preparing Students for Success

By Janice Lane Palko

Since its inception in the 1960s, A. W. Beattie Career Center has been preparing students to excel after graduation. “Beattie students enjoy a superior ranking post-program whether they choose post-secondary education, employment or the military career pathway,” said Eric C. Heasley, executive director, of A. W. Beattie Career Center.

Located at 9600 Babcock Boulevard in Allison Park, A. W. Beattie Career Center provides students from nine area school districts—Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton Township, Northgate, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine-Richland and Shaler Area—with the opportunities to earn advanced college credits and industry certifications while still in high school that will enhance the student’s post-secondary pathway after high school graduation.

Beattie offers 19 programs to provide students with an educational experience that enables them to be college and career ready after high school graduation. The programs fulfill elective credit requirements for 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. Seniors who attend A.W. Beattie participate in the NOCTI exam, which awards a Pennsylvania skills certificate and the ability for college credits based on test results.

“We have articulation agreements with many local colleges, universities and technical schools statewide that accept Beattie credits,” said Mr. Heasley. “Students at Beattie can potentially earn 3-22 college credits while here, and that puts them ahead when they go on to continue their education.”

In addition, Beattie offers a robust externship program which allows students to engage in employment in their chosen field while still in high school. “Students gain classroom experience and real-world experience at the same time,” said Mr. Heasley, who noted that Beattie’s enrollment has increased year over year, with the 2023-24 school year’s enrollment to be almost 1,100 students.

A. W Beattie is noted for offering instruction in relevant, innovative fields and industries where employers are seeking trained, skilled workers. “For instance, our Robotics Engineering Technology program has been endorsed by the Advanced

Robotics and Manufacturing Institute (ARM) in Pennsylvania. The ARM Endorsement program primarily recognizes postsecondary schools across the United States, and Beattie Career Center is only the second career and technology center endorsed by the ARM Institute in the country,” said Dr. Justin Watkins, Assistant Director.

“Beattie is also the first and only career center in Pennsylvania to offer a Surgical Science – Operating Room Central Sterile Processing Program. This program will enable students to prepare for these in-demand, rewarding careers in our region,” said Mr. Heasley.

Some of Beattie’s most popular programs are Culinary Arts; Heating, Ventilation and AirConditioning; Health and Nursing Sciences; and Automotive Technology. Students may enroll after completing the ninth grade. They attend their high school for half of the school day and then spend either the morning or afternoon at A. W. Beattie. School districts provide the students with busing. For students contemplating getting a leg up on their future by attending Beattie Career Center, there is a Back-to-School Night scheduled for August 31 from 5:15-7 p.m. On October 9, Beattie will also host an Alumni & Community Open House from 5:15-7 p.m.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about the 2024-2025 school year,” said Mr. Heasley, “and we invite students and their families to visit and see why A. W. Beattie Career Center is so well-regarded and how we prepare our students to excel postprogram.” n

For more information, on A. W Beattie Career Center, visit the website at: www.beattietech.com or call, (412) 847-1900.