Overview of Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center (PBTCC) in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is a public vocational and technical education institution that serves secondary students from multiple sending school districts and adult learners. It offers approved career education programs focused on hands-on training for entry-level employment in various trades and occupations. The center is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and its programs align with state standards.

Key Details from the Document:

• Contact Information: Dr. Leigh Ann Cornman, Director; Email: leighanncornman@pb.k12.mo.us; Address: 3203 Oak Grove Road, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901-8960; Phone: (573) 785-2248; Fax: (573) 785-4168.
• Sending School Districts and Support Services: The center coordinates with districts in counties like Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Reynolds, Stoddard, and Wayne for services such as guidance/placement, single parent/displaced homemaker counseling, sex equity counseling, and student financial assistance.
• Secondary Career Education Programs: A full list of approved programs is available on the DESE website.
• Programs with Adult Enrollment (Leading to 1- or 2-Year Certificates): These are classified as “08-10 STS” (likely indicating secondary technical skills programs) and include:
  • Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General (CIP 12.0401)
  • Culinary Arts/Chef Training (CIP 12.0503)
  • Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician (CIP 47.0603)
  • Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician (CIP 47.0604)
  • Carpentry/Carpenter (CIP 46.0201) — highlighted below
  • Computer Maintenance Technology (CIP 15.1202)
  • Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology (CIP 15.1202)
  • Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator, General Production (CIP 10.0305)
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (CIP 47.0201)
  • Welding Technology/Welder (CIP 48.0508)
• Adult Career Education Programs (500+ Contact Hours): Additional approved programs are detailed starting on page 62 of a related document (not included here).

The center emphasizes practical, industry-aligned training, with many programs involving real-world projects, internships, and preparation for employment or further apprenticeships.

Highlight: Carpentry Program

The document lists Carpentry/Carpenter (CIP 46.0201) as an approved secondary program (08-10 STS) that allows adult enrollment, enabling participants to earn a 1- or 2-year certificate.

Current school information aligns this with the Building Trades program, a 1044-clock-hour (approximately one academic year) course focused on residential construction. Students gain hands-on experience by designing and building a full family dwelling, alongside training in home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. Key skills and units include:

• Safety and basic tool use
• Site preparation and layout
• Planning, blueprints, codes, and estimating
• Concrete forms and foundations
• Floor, wall, and roof framing
• Exterior and interior finishes (e.g., siding, trim, drywall, painting, flooring, cabinets)
• Roofing installation
• Explorations in electrical wiring (to National Electrical Code standards), plumbing, and masonry

The program prepares students for entry-level jobs in the building trades and includes potential internships for on-the-job experience. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements (e.g., GPA, competency mastery, attendance).

Does the Carpentry Program Use the NCCER Curriculum?

No. The provided document does not mention NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) or any standardized curriculum. Current school materials, including the 2025-2026 program catalog, website descriptions, and student handbook, also make no reference to NCCER. The curriculum appears to be locally developed, aligned with Missouri state standards and industry practices, without indication of NCCER modules, credentials, or accreditation.