The Collinsville Area Vocational Center is a two-year, public vocational training center for high school juniors and seniors. Housed on the campus of Collinsville High School, CAVC is a cooperative program which also includes students from Civic Memorial High School, Dupo High School, East Alton-Wood River High School, Edwardsville High School, Highland High School, Lebanon High School, Mascoutah High School and Triad High School.

Students receive hands-on technical skills training in:

• Auto Body Repair
• Automotive Repair
• Building Trades
• Clinical Health Occupations
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Cyber Security
• Dental Assisting
• Early Childhood Education
• Electronics
• Food Service
• Precision Machining
• Welding
• Urban Agriculture and Landscape Management

Skills can be used to:

• Enter the work force directly after high school
• Continue on to a junior college or trade school
• Prepare students for the military or trade unions
• Provide a foundation for continuation at a four-year college

How does it work?
CAVC offer 2 1/2 hour-long classes primarily for juniors and seniors in high school.  It is very important that students are aware of graduation requirements and complete as many of those as possible in their freshman and sophomore years, so they have time in their schedules to take vocational classes as a junior or senior.  Most vocational classes do not have any prerequisites, but a few require student to take the Accuplacer test through Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in order to qualify.  This test is administered at Collinsville High School prior to enrollment.

Enrollment
Enrollment procedures take place during the students registration period at their home school. Enrollment is open to juniors and seniors. Programs may be taken one or two years.

Attendance
Students taking a course at CAVC divide their day between their home school and the Vocational Center.

Transportation
Each participating high school will determine transportation arrangements for their students.

Tuition
Tuition will be paid by the home school district for each student unless specified differently by the home district. Students may have some additional costs for personal tools, equipment, and materials.

What are the benefits?
Most classes at CAVC include free college credit through Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC).  Some, such as the engineering class, offer the option for possible credit at other universities.

Student in CAVC classes learn occupational-related theory and workplace skills, in addition to hands-on skill development in their specified career area.

Guest speakers from the various professional fields are brought in to help students fully understand their career options.  In addition, many trade schools, colleges and businesses, who provide training and certifications, come in to help students evaluate educational options beyond high school.

Finally, employers frequently contact CAVC looking for employees in specific fields.  This allows our teachers to make recommendations to assist students in obtaining additional training and/or employment.