High School Programs
We offer 11 Career and Technical Education programs designed for students from our partner schools, homeschoolers, and surrounding community. Click here to access our program overview .pdf and learn more about the opportunities available (you can zoom into the .pdf by clicking CTRL and the Plus Key on PC or Option + Command + Plus Key on Mac) .
Cosmetology
This course prepares students to enter the cosmetology workforce with knowledge in all areas required by the Vermont State Board of Cosmetology. Students will learn the theory behind the hands-on aspects of the industry including hair cutting, color, chemical texturizing, waxing, skincare, nail services including artificial nails, and makeup application. Students will also perform and master these services in the RBCTC in-house salon while adhering to state regulations. Students will also learn about anatomy and physiology, chemistry, electricity, infection control, professional image, and business practices, just to name a few. Students who have successfully completed the required 1000 hours of training can sit for the VT Licensing Exam for Cosmetology (full-time second year of program required).
Instructor: Lorraine Kennedy
Email: lorraine.kennedy@oesu.org
Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources
Guided by the foundational principles of sound business practices and environmental stewardship, students in the Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources program are exposed to technologies associated with organic vegetable, fruit, berry, maple, and forest production. Soil conservation and improvement, water quality, safe equipment operation, maintenance and repair, welding, fabrication, and electrical systems are all areas of study. Students learn about the incredible forest resource we have in our region and participate in selective harvest for timber stand improvement, sugarbush enhancement, outdoor recreation, and wildlife management. The Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources program provides skills and knowledge coupled with cooperative work experiences, job shadow opportunities, and college exploration.
Instructor: Ian Blackmer
Email: ian.blackmer@oesu.org
Construction Trades and Residential Energy
The Construction Technology/Residential Energy (CTRE) curriculum provides technical training in all aspects of residential construction, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and alternative energy. Building design, blueprint reading, estimating, safety on the work site, building codes, site work, foundations, stairs, timber framing, insulation envelopes, stress skin panels, roof systems, framing, and finish work are all part of the process. There is an emphasis on alternative, renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass) and the latest energy efficiency technologies and designs. Students will also be introduced to the operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Students will use acquired knowledge to design and build projects of various sizes and complexity.
Instructor: Brad DeGoosh
Email: bradley.degoosh@oesu.org
21st Century Media and Design
Blending the craft of storytelling with the innovation of student-designed digital worlds, River Bend’s 21st Century Media and Design students create immersive experiences that transport audiences into new dimensions. These students explore the power of visual communication across multiple platforms, including game development, programming, character design, creative writing, graphic arts, and animation. By applying the elements and principles of art, they produce compelling digital content designed for promotion and distribution across the web. From concept to creation, they’re preparing for the future—whether that path leads to studios like Bethesda, Ubisoft, or beyond.
Instructor: Anthony Daniels
Email: anthony.daniels@oesu.org
AutomotiveTechnology
The careers related to River Bend’s Automotive Technology program require attention to the latest technology and delivery of excellent service and repairs. With the backing of our ASE certified auto program, students diagnose and repair engines, brakes, steering, electrical systems, and suspensions. River Bend’s college articulation agreements with Northwestern Ohio University guarantee a higher standard of instruction and opportunity for advanced study beyond high school. Our fully-equipped auto shop hosts nine service vehicles at a time, delivering daily hands-on training with industry-recognized instruction.
Instructor: Carl Hildebrandt
Email: carl.hildebrandt@oesu.org
Emergency Services and Fire Management
The adrenaline rush for students training to save lives in the Emergency Services field has few equals in the world of work. Firefighters and EMT professionals provide essential critical responses to people in crisis. Sick and injured people depend on a highly skilled, highly trained workforce to provide emergency care to survive natural disasters, traumatic crashes and accidents, and life-saving care and transportation in medical emergencies. Certifications in EMT, Firefighter 1, and college credits support a dynamic academic and practical curricula.
Instructor: Thomas Leeman
Email: thomas.leeman@oesu.org
Health Sciences
Medical career training at River Bend's Health Science Technology program offers students a fast track to a health related field. Students have the opportunity to earn 9 college credits in Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Medical Terminology, and Human Development. During senior year, students have the opportunity to participate in the LNA program at Cottage Hospital. Other training opportunities include nursing homes, veterinary hospitals, and doctors’ offices. These provide real-world experiences that lead students down the path toward the medical careers that continue to offer rewarding work in high-demand industries.
Instructor: Carrie MIller
Email: carrie.miller@oesu.org
Culinary Arts
Preparing for a creative and rewarding career in culinary arts begins at The Inn at River Bend. Students learn food science theory and develop real world skills in our commercial kitchen, preparing for careers as chefs, restauranteurs, personal chefs, nutritionists, and bakers. Internships and River Bend Inn experiences focus on restaurant management, cooking methods, food safety, nutrition and teamwork. Our program will prepare students with a complete restaurant experience. Students discover their own creative talents as they learn to combine ingredients and develop their own palate.
Instructor: Trace Heidenreich
Email: tracy.heidenreich@oesu.org
Teacher Education
Teacher Education program prepares students with a desire to work with children of any age in a variety of educational roles - from preschool to high school classroom teachers. Topics covered include foundations of education, theories of development and learning, classroom management, lesson planning, methods of instruction, special education, and assessment. Education is a field which has a wide range of environments, learning, and work opportunities. Students who complete the Teacher Education program are beginning the preparations to work in P-K through grade 12 schools. In addition, they will be exploring careers which support children who are outside of the classroom environment.
Instructor: Laura Shrewsbury-Pichette
Email: laura.shrewsbury@oesu.org
Heavy Equipment
Students in the Heavy Equipment program work hard to meet the needs of the industry. They focus on safety, professionalism and problem solving. The skills and knowledge they take from this program will be the foundation of their future careers. Heavy Equipment students pursue careers in construction, transportation, agriculture, mechanics, welding, forestry and more. Students learn to operate machinery, drive dump trucks, introduction to welding, basic hydraulics and equipment maintenance and repair. The students work together as a team to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real world situations. Heavy Equipment students learn by getting dirty!
Instructor: Dylan Kidder
Email: dylan.kidder@oesu.org
Cybersecurity
Explore an exciting new offering at River Bend, Cybersecurity! Interested in protecting computers, digital information, or financial assets? Looking for a widely expanding field that pays incredibly well and is always growing? The RBCTC Cybersecurity program may be for you. Programming, asset protection, and pentesting (ethical hacking) will all be explored. Available in-person at River Bend or fully remote.
Instructor: Anthony Daniels
Email: anthony.daniels@oesu.org
The River Bend Career & Technical Center provides educational opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/civil union status, or any other characteristic prohibited by Federal or State law.