With more students seeking real-world career preparation before graduation, Butler Tech is expanding access to high-quality career-technical experiences across Butler County. For students who discover their passion later in high school or are seeking additional entry points into high-demand career pathways, Butler Tech’s OTC+ pathways, offered locally as 1-Year and 1-Semester senior programs, expand access to career credentials before graduation.
Yamil Calderon represents one of those students who waited patiently for his opportunity.
After applying twice during high school to join Butler Tech pathways, Yamil secured a seat in the 1-Year Welding program during his senior year. The persistence paid off.
“I was looking at how much welding costs [after high school]. I’m saving thousands.”
Welding runs in Yamil’s family, and the program gave him more than just skill; it gave him discipline. “There’s no other class like this in my high school—here, you sweat.”
He describes welding as both technical and personal growth. “Welding taught me patience. Once you rush something, you mess it up.” After graduation, Yamil will enter the United States Marine Corps with welding as his Military Occupational Specialty, carrying industry-recognized credentials into service. Yamil is grateful he had the chance to be welding while balancing playing trumpet in Concert Band and Ensemble at Middletown High School. 
His story reflects the interest in welding that continues to outpace available seats. Over the past three years, Butler Tech’s 2-Year Welding programs have seen more than 100 qualified applicants annually. Healthcare Science applications jumped 77% between the 2023–24 and 2025–26 school years. OTC+ 1-year and 1-semester programs exist to expand access to these career pathways, giving seniors the opportunity to train in Butler Tech Adult Education facilities alongside post-secondary learners. “Long-term success for OTC+ means every student in Butler County has access to high-quality, career-focused pathways that lead to industry credentials, meaningful employment, and a clear future beyond graduation,” said Nick Linberg, Assistant Superintendent, emphasizing the program’s commitment to expanding access to career and technical education.
Sophie Doherty, a Talawanda High school senior, first heard about the 1-Semester programs during the annual Butler Tech recruitment visits at her high school. She hadn’t considered a multi-year Butler Tech program because she was satisfied and had more to accomplish at her home school. However, once Junior year came around, she realized a more flexible schedule was ahead for Senior year and a friend recommended the 1-Semester Healthcare programs. Sophie realized the opportunities to “leave with certifications I could use down the road.”
She applied and excelled in the 1-Semester Certified Clinical Medical Assisting program followed by the 1-Semester CNA/Phlebotomy program this term. The certifications she’s earning are an entry point into the medical field. The clinicals and externships provided exposure to real-world environments where instructors, “put you in real life situations working with real people.” Those experiences have already translated into employment for Sophie as she prepares to work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
Additionally, the 1-Semester programs have helped confirm if this is the field she wants to advance her studies. Sophie describes a shift in her perspective about postsecondary education. “I thought college was the only way to advance, you get degrees to become a nurse.” Time at Butler Tech Adult Education showcased alternatives. “There are bridges here at Butler Tech that I can take chunk-by-chunk rather than commit to 4 years at a school. It’s nice to have the option to take the steps piece by piece, rather than all at once.”
As interest in trades and healthcare continues to grow, 1-Semester and 1-Year program structure gives additional access points to in-demand credentials. In addition to welding and healthcare programs, Butler Tech 1-Year Electrical Technology will welcome their first cohorts in the 2026-27 school year.