The Career Center

Career Center of the SCESC

The Somerset County Educational Services Commission (SCESC) is taking enrollment for three new vocational programs at The Career Center of the SCESC, a brand new 16,300 square foot contemporary building in Bridgewater.  Available to Special Education students in grades 9 – 12+, these forward-thinking programs will prepare graduates to begin careers and meet the demands of an increasingly competitive workplace. 

The Career Center of the SCESC houses a ShopRite convenience size store for students enrolled in ShopRite’s Supermarket Careers program, a newly-stocked shop for students on the Power Equipment & Small Engine Technology track, and a fully stocked Graphic Arts and Design Studio.  New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are embedded within all three career programs, serving the individual social, emotional, academic, and employment education needs of each student.  The SCESC is operating programs in partnership with ShopRite and Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools.

The Career Center at the Somerset County Educational Services Commission is pleased to announce its newest shop selection for students, Graphic Arts & Design.  Students will be introduced to the skills and applications in the areas of computer programming, hardware services, networking configurations, graphic design, desktop publishing, and marketing. Students will learn many of these skills by experiencing hands-on learning activities involving design, creation, and marketing of various products.  The Graphic Arts & Design program will afford students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge about computers, design, and computer-guided equipment and also lay the foundation for a potential career in the field of Graphic Arts & Design.

Registration is open now for the Fall 2016 school year. Program hours are from 8:30 AM – 2:07 PM.  

There are a limited number of openings available. 

Call (908)707-2055 or email careercenter@sc.esc.k12.nj.us for details.

To see an update on the Career Center CLICK HERE!

Applications must be submitted by the Public School District.

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 Supermarket Careers is a groundbreaking program created by ShopRite

• Students will train for entry-level supermarket and retail positions by working in a supermarket learning lab and store located at The Career Center of the SCESC.  Created in 1988, ShopRite’s Supermarket Careers Program has received local, state and national awards, including the Secretary of Education’s Award, the highest honor available to these programs.  
• Students learn by working in the school store and training for jobs in all retail departments including the following:  cashier, produce, deli, bakery, courtesy, and grocery.  Eighty minutes of the school day is dedicated to the Supermarket Careers program (two 40- minute periods) and the remainder focused on core curriculum. 
• Students join Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).
• ShopRite currently employs former graduates of the program in many of its local stores, including East Brunswick, Elizabeth, Kearny, Marlboro, Freehold, and Somerset.

Power Equipment & Small Engine Technology is a proven curriculum taught by Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools 

• Students will work in the newly constructed Power Equipment & Small Engine Technology classroom at The Career Center of the SCESC, learning how to repair and maintain equipment powered by small displacement engines.  Former students have been honored at the SkillsUSA Championships, receiving gold medals in statewide and national competitions.
• Industry updates are provided through workshops that include participation with Echo & Toro incorporated and mechanics, with the help of advisory members and parents.
• First year students develop skills in using hand tools, operating four stroke engines and servicing spark plugs.  In the advanced group, students learn to troubleshoot problems and understand two stroke theory, ignitions, and fuel and engine compression.  Emphasis is placed on safety orientation.  Students gain hands-on experience working with engines, tractors, generators, and motorcycles.  Eighty minutes of the school day is dedicated to the Power Equipment& Small Engine Technology program (two 40-minute periods), and the remainder focused on core curriculum. 
• Past graduates have gone on to start working immediately or pursue further education; students are prepared to work in small engine shops, outboard and motorcycle repair shops, boat repair shops, and automotive parts departments. 
• Graduates have been hired by local employers such as Honda Auto Sport, Fullerton Ford and Lake Small Engine Repair in Somerset.   Others have gone on to post-secondary technical schools.

Graphic Arts & Design

• Students will be introduced to the skills and applications in the areas of computer programming, hardware services, networking configurations, graphic design, desktop publishing, and marketing.
• Students will learn many of these skills by experiencing hands-on learning activities involving design, creation, and marketing of various products. 
• The program will afford students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge about computers, design, and computer-guided equipment and also lay the foundation for a potential career in the field of Graphic Arts & Design.

Location-7 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Program Length

• Supermarket Careers, Graphic Arts & Design, and Power Equipment & Small Engine Technology are all offered as either two or four year programs.    

 Number of Student Openings

• Supermarket Careers (48 students)
• Graphic Arts & Design (36 students)
• Power Equipment & Small Engine Technology (36 students)

Students Served

Our program is open to Special Education students who are non-aggressive.  Minimum 3^rd grade reading level preferred.

For more information or to apply, contact our Career Center Intake Team:

• Principal, Director of Programs, Mr. Russ Hudson, Principal, Career Center, Christine Monteiro, Special Education Supervisor, Lisa Olasz, LDTC
• Phone: (908)707-2055
• Fax: (908)707-2440
• Email: careercenter@sc.esc.k12.nj.us

Additional Details on All Inclusive Curriculum

• After fulfilling academic components, students will receive a high school diploma from the sending district. They will also receive a certificate of course completion from Somerset County Vocational Technical School. 
• All inclusive programs support social, emotional, academic, and career needs and include: