BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will have new program offerings for incoming juniors and seniors as they ponder their career paths for the future.

Superintendent Ted Gorman said HVAC is making a long-awaited return while an emergency management system program will prepare future emergency responders. In addition, a new health care course will start this fall with the licensed practical nursing program.

“We’re excited about our new programs in LPN, EMS and Firefighter I and II and HVAC. These programs are going to be very important for us,” Gorman said. “We truly believe these programs will lead to good jobs for students in our Appalachian region.”

He explained that the HVAC program was discontinued in 2007 and the classroom remained empty until the heavy equipment operation program began three years ago. The latter has grown since its inception and will move to another area while the HVAC course will occupy its original lab.

“We currently have eight kids signed up for HVAC, which is pretty good for a newer program. We’re also looking to hire a new teacher,” he added. “We will acquire equipment and redo the lab, and heavy equipment will move to a new added space.”

The EMS program will be held in collaboration with the Wintersville Fire Department to help students become certified. It is a two-year program in conjunction with the Gary R. Fellows Training Academy and includes courses in Ohio Firefighter I and II, emergency medical technician, emergency vehicle operating, hazardous materials and FEMA incident command.

Students who successfully complete all coursework will be eligible at age 18 to test for the Ohio firefighter certification and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification. Enrollment requirements include being age 16 and a junior for Firefighter I coursework, physical ability assessment, immunizations and a negative TB test for EMT clinical rotations and parental consent and school district liability waiver.

“We have nine students signed up for that and will hire an instructor,” Gorman continued. “The EMS students will do coursework at the JVS and a practicum at the fire department.”

Meanwhile, the LPN course will provide another level of learning for those interested in the health care field.

“This is part of the current health technologies program and is open to seniors. It’s going to be one step closer to getting an RN certification,” Gorman said.

An estimated 235 students have already signed up for the 2026-2027 school year and will undergo vetting before the fall semester begins, addition of the courses will only bolster opportunities and help students become job ready

“We are looking forward to getting our kids trained, certified and ready for the workforce,” Gorman said. “It’s important that our students are able to leave the JVS campus and move right into good jobs. That’s our goal every day.”