GC Catalog 2011 2012 - Gaston College

Student InformationEducational ProgramsRegional Emergency Services Training Center(RESTC)The Regional Emergency Services Training Center(RESTC) provides basic, continuing, and advancedtraining in all areas of emergency services includingfire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency medicalservices. The primary intent of the RESTC is to improvethe training and level of expertise within emergencyservices across the state of North Carolina.The facility began operation in January 1991 and islocated on 25 acres on Gaston College's Dallas campus.The RESTC includes a five-story, 21,000 squarefoot commercial burn structure, which is used forreal-life fire and emergency training. The burn structureis the largest of its type in the United States.The burn structure houses a pitched-roof ventilationtraining area, industrial simulation areas, interiorcombustible liquid area, five-story vertical confinedspace shaft, and 1,800 square foot simulated smokemaze. A second 1,500 square foot burn building,simulating a three bedroom ranch style house wasadded in 2004. In addition to the burn structures,there are also 12 flammable liquid/liquid petroleumgas pits, confined space areas, hazardous materialsareas, and a training pavilion with fitness center locatedat the RESTC. The center also operates a mobileSwede Flashover Survival training unit which isused for firefighter survival training on campus andacross the southeast. For more information, visit theRESTC website at www.gaston.edu/fire/.Industrial Emergency Response Team and FireBrigade Training: Gaston College’s RESTC specializesin Nuclear Fire Brigade and High-Risk ResponseTraining and leads the state in the deliveryof Industrial Fire Brigade Training. This programprovides training for local, regional, and nationalindustry through the delivery of customized programsof training addressing the specific needsof each customer. These programs include on-sitevisits, consultations, and specialized courses inthe areas of confined space, hazardous materials,basic and advanced fire suppression techniques,and rescue operations.Life Skills ProgramThe Life Skills Department Program is designed toraise the literacy level in Gaston and Lincoln counties.To be admitted to the Life Skills Program, studentsmust attend the New Student Orientation. NewStudent Orientation schedules are available on thecollege’s website at http://www.gaston.edu/gaston/conted/BSP_Orientation_01252011.pdf.Students ages sixteen and seventeen who havebeen in school for at least six months must completea Minor Student Application which can be obtainedin the Pearson Life Skills Building.Life Skills programs include the following:Adult Basic Education Program/General EducationDevelopment (ABE/GED): The ABE componentprovides basic skills education for adultswith less than an eighth grade education. TheABE curriculum focuses on the development ofskills required for employability such as reading,writing, speaking, computation, and critical thinking.The Life Skills department maintains ABE/GED classes at the Dallas and Lincoln Campuses,as well as at other sites throughout Gaston andLincoln counties. For additional information call704.922.6322 or 704.748.1047.Adult High School (AHS): AHS offers high schoolcourses for adults 18 years or older. Programparticipants are awarded a high school diplomabased on successful completion of the necessarycoursework. Adult High School classes are offeredduring the day and evening at the Dallas and duringthe day at Lincoln Campuses. For additionalinformation call 704.922.6319 or 704.748.1045.Compensatory Education (CED): CED providesinstruction to help mentally handicapped adultsdevelop skills and abilities necessary to obtainemployment and achieve self-sufficiency. Coursesare offered in the areas of community living skills,consumer education, health, language, math,social science, and vocational education. Foradditional information call 704.922.6320.English as a Second Language (ESL): ESLprovides instruction for individuals with limitedEnglish proficiency. ESL stresses developmentof basic language skills and preparation for dailylife, employment, and citizenship. Gaston Collegeoffers ESL classes that teach speaking, reading,and writing English to immigrants preparing themfor citizenship and life in the community. Instructionis provided in a structured class and/or labenvironment that is enhanced with computerbasedtutorials at several locations throughoutGaston and Lincoln counties. For additional informationcall 704.922.6318.GED Testing: GED Testing is designed to measureacademic skills in reading, writing, mathematics,science, and social studies. Persons who passthe GED test receive a high school equivalencydiploma. GED testing services are provided at theDallas and Lincoln Campuses. For additional informationcall 704.922.6321.Human Resources Development (HRD) ProgramThe Human Resources Development Program is ajob seeking/job keeping program that prepares theparticipants for the workplace. It is designed to help20