Vocational Technologies Program at Yellowstone Academy

Yellowstone Academy Programs and Admissions (1)

Vocational Technologies Program

At Yellowstone Academy, we provide hands-on learning experiences that equip students with practical life skills through our Vocational Technologies Program (Vo Tech). Designed for both residential youth and day treatment students, the program fosters problem-solving, patience, and critical thinking while exposing students to potential career paths.

Located on Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s scenic 410-acre campus, the Vo Tech program takes place in multiple specialized facilities, each offering a unique course experience.

Program Offerings

Small Engine Repair

Students develop problem-solving skills and systematic thinking through small engine maintenance and repair. Just like maintaining the mind and body, mechanical systems require preventative care to function properly. By breaking down the repair process into logical steps, students learn to:

  • Identify and address issues before they escalate
  • Work methodically and patiently
  • Strengthen attention to detail and impulse control

Woodworking & Carpentry

From crafting decorative plaques to constructing livestock shelters, students gain hands-on experience in woodworking and carpentry. Skills covered include:

  • Using manual and electric tools to cut, shape, and assemble wood
  • Applying stains and sealants to finish projects
  • Collaborating on large-scale construction projects like calf and horse shelters equipped with insulation, lighting, and electrical outlets

Students not only build practical structures but also develop teamwork, self-reliance, and technical knowledge in carpentry and electrical work.

Horticulture

Our farm-to-table approach teaches students the fundamentals of plant cultivation—from seed to harvest. Under the open sky, students engage in:

  • Soil preparation and planting strategies
  • Sustainable gardening practices
  • Harvesting and processing fresh produce

This hands-on learning fosters responsibility, patience, and an appreciation for nature.

Beekeeping

Yes, Yellowstone Academy has beehives! Students experience the full beekeeping process, including:

  • Constructing hives in carpentry class
  • Caring for and tending to bee colonies
  • Harvesting and processing fresh honey

Through beekeeping, students gain an understanding of ecological balance, learning firsthand the relationship between nature and human stewardship.

Aviculture (Bird Rearing)

Students participate in aviculture, caring for birds from egg incubation to adolescence. This program plays an essential role in repopulating Montana’s pheasant communities. Students gain insight into:

  • Incubation and hatching
  • Proper care and feeding
  • Wildlife conservation efforts
  • It’s a truly egg-cellent experience for young learners!

Prioritizing Safety

The safety of our students is our highest priority. Strict safety guidelines ensure that youth and staff remain protected at all times. From wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to following detailed safety protocols, students learn both technical skills and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

Building Skills for the Future

At Yellowstone Academy, our Vocational Technologies Program goes beyond hands-on skills—it builds confidence, responsibility, and career readiness. Whether through mechanical work, farming, construction, or animal care, students leave with a strong foundation for lifelong success.