History/North Seattle Community College
Watch Technology Institute at North Seattle Community College
The Watch Technology Institute offers the two year (3000 hour) WOSTEP program. This program was recently updated and the 2009 fall class is under the new system.
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[edit] Instruction
The program is two years in length. Classes run from 8:00am to 4:30pm daily, and run all four quarters of the school year. Usually additional lab hours are offered on some afternoons and weekends.
[edit] Cost
For fall, winter, and spring quarters, students must pay for 22 per quarter. As of the 2009-2010 year, an in-state vocational student will pay $1,117.80 per quarter plus tool kit fees. Out of state students pay $1,496.00 per quarter. In addition, students are required to buy a tool kit from the school. As of 2009, the tool kit cost approximately $4000.
The school does offer help to low income students, but this money is limited. Second year students often get scholarships through companies such as Ben Bridge.
[edit] Quotes from Graduates
“The WOSTEP program at NSCC provided me with the best training in the industry enabling me to make a successful career transition. Happily, due to the strong demand for watchmakers, my entire class obtained employment upon graduation” Ray Belgardt - Class 2006
"The skills you acquire at the WTI will provide the foundation for your entire career as a watchmaker. In two years you'll learn the methods passed down from the great Swiss watchmakers of centuries past, and learn how to put those skills to use today. You never know what situations you'll encounter at the bench, but with the training you receive at NSCC, you'll have the confidence to assess the problem and tackle a challenging repair. The experienced instructors take the time to treat you as an individual and maximize your potential. You'll find hidden talent you never knew you had, and build reserves of patience that prepare you for almost anything. You'll call on your training on day one, hour one, of your new job after graduation. And without question, the WOSTEP program provides the best education in watchmaking possible in the United States."
"There were times during the two years when I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Hairsprings will drive you slightly insane. You'll file more than you ever thought possible or necessary. Don't bother applying unless you're going to show up every single day for two years. Don't take any criticism personally. Take care of your tools. Rummage around the drawers and the old Bestfit books and get an idea of how parts are numbered and organized. Get a part time job changing cells and bands for extra experience." Ryan Bramlett - 2006
"The wostep course at NSCC was the best decision I ever made since my decision to become a watchmaker. The level of training offered is bar non the best training a person can have if they wish to follow a career in the watchmaking field. Representatives from most major watch brands not only endorse the program but they also stop in and visit the schools and many times to also give lectures. The wostep program prepares you to work for any of the top major watch brands, my self and many fellow classmates had job offers before even graduating because the WOSTEP level of training is known world wide." Luis O. - Class of ‘05
[edit] Contact Information
- 9600 College Way North
- Seattle, WA 98103
- USA
- Phone: (206) 526-0169
- Fax: (206) 527-3659