catalog neon school

	CATALOG

	Neon sign making has become a dying art in the United States, yet the signs themselves are making a comeback and are in great demand among merchants across the country. The problem is a whole generation of skilled tube benders is retiring and are not being replaced by sufficient, talented young sign makers. It is the desire of this school to teach a new generation of skilled and artistic neon benders.
	Hollywood School of Neon is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Florida and is owned by John LeClaire. The Hollywood School of Neon’s governing body is located at the School at 521 South 21st Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020.
	Hollywood is located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale on Florida’s Gold Coast. The school is 3 minutes from beautiful Hollywood Beach with lots of day and night activity. Seasonal rates are inexpensive and the area is known for it’s sunny beaches, great shopping and a large variety of restaurants.
	The school consists of a 1000 square foot structure in Broward County, in the city of Hollywood, Florida. Situated on the main street in downtown Hollywood, convenient public transportation is available as well as ample parking adjacent to the school. On campus, there are four work stations; each equipped with an air pump, a cannon burner and a ribbon burner. At the rear of the school is the bombarding area where the students individually pump and bombard the gas while under close supervision from the instructor.
	In this program of study, students are taught the technical skills necessary to design, manufacture, repair, remodel and maintain neon tube finished products. Upon completion of the program the student is qualified to work in any existing neon shop or with the right business management skills, can become self-employed.
	This six week program is 8 hours per day, five days a week (240 hours) and very demanding. When the student has satisfactorily completed the program they receive a certificate of completion.
	School officials and faculty are: John LeClair, Chief Administrative Officer, Instructor.

	Program Curriculum
	The cost of this program is $6,500.00 and will be held with one to four students. The class dates will not be cancelled if full enrollment is not achieved. This program includes cost free housing. All hours are clock hours
	Week 1
	Four Basic executions 1. Welding glass together 4.5 hours 2. 90 degree bends 6.0 hours 3. Double-Back bends 6.0 hours 4. Drop-down bends 6.0 hours 22.5 hours Begin Alphabet 1. "E" 3.5 hours 2. "T" 3.5 hours 3. "V" 3.5 hours 4. "N" 3.5 hours 5. "H" 3.5 hours 17.5 hours 40.0 hours (Week 1)

	Week II
	A. Continuation of 5" Alphabet 15.0 hours 1. "A,B,C,D" 15.0 hours 2. "F,G,I,J,K" 15.0 hours 3. "L,M,O,P" 10.hours 40.0 hours (Week ll)

	Week lll
	Completion of 12" Alphabet 1. "Q,R,S,U" 10.0 hours 2. "V,W,C,Y,Z" 10.0 hours 20.0 hours B. Begin Double 12"DBL Stroke Alphabet 1. "A,B,C,D" 5.0 hours 2. "F,G,I,K" 5.0 hours 3. "L,M,O,P" 5.0 hours 15.0 hours C. Welding Electrodes to Letters 1, Attach electrodes and prep for pumping 5.0 hours 40.0 hours (Week III)

	Week IV
	A. Completion of 12" Alphabet 1. "Q,R,S,U" 15.0 hours 2. "V,W,X,Y,Z" 15.0 hours Sub Total 30 hours B. Pump 10 Letters 1. Students Choice 10.0 hours 40.0 hours (Week IV)

	Week V
	A. Introduction of Tubulation 3.0 hours B. 15mm, 3 foot double-stroke letters 20.0 hours C. Patter Making 3.0 hours D. Neon Plant Layout 3.0 hours E. Sign Composition & Design 4.0 hours F. Sign Estimating 3.0 hours G. Setting Up Manifold System 4.0 hours 40 hours (Week V)

	Week VI
	A. Make A Sign 1. 6" OPEN Sign 19.0 hours 2. Mount OPEN Sign 1.0 hours Sub Total 20.0 hours B. Student Project 20.0 hours 40.0 hours (Week VI)

	The following tools and supplies by the school at no additional charge:
	Textbook – " Neon Techniques and Handling" by Samuel C. Miller Tool Box Lighter Safety Glasses Notebook Electrode Holder Blocks

	Extended Program

	The Hollywood School of Neon offers a n 8 week, all inclusive, extended program. This program covers important skills in which time does not allow in the 6 week program.
	In addition to the basic curriculum, the extended program also covers the following applications, giving students a more in depth knowledge of the sign industry.

	20 hrs. In House Mastering techniques in Bombarding, Pumping and Pattern Making 16 hrs. Electrical Wiring of Illuminated signs 16 hrs. Sign Fabrication The production of Box Signs and Channel Letters. 4 hrs. Design Theory Creating signage that is pleasing to the eye. 4 hrs. Sign Marketing Covering marketing and pricing principles. 20 hrs. Installation In shop and in the field.
	The price for this course is $ 8,500.00 and will be held with one to four students. This program also includes cost free housing.
	Attendance – Students must maintain 240 hours of attendance to successfully complete this program.
	Tardiness – A student arriving more than 15 minutes late will be marked tardy unless the instructor feels the student has a legitimate reason for being late. A tardy will be considered an unexcused absence.
	Unexcused Absences – More than 2 unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the program. The decision will be made by the Chief Administrative Officer.
	Leave of Absence – A reasonable leave of absence may be granted if it is deemed an emergency. The student will be allowed to make- up missed time at the end of the program. It will be the students responsibility to make-up missed time and missed work.
	Grading – The grading system is satisfactory – unsatisfactory for the three basic techniques (welding glass, 90 degree bends and double-back bends) and each letter, plus pumping ability and manifold maintenance skills. A matter of progression trough the required letters and forms evidences the student skills. The ability to follow directions is most valuable to a student’s progress. Progress reports will be given on a weekly basis.
	Student Services:
A.	Housing – The school provide cost free housing to are students with both programs.
B.	Student Records – The student records are permanently retained by the school and are available upon request.
C.	Student Placement – Students are assisted with placement and furnished with names and addresses of employment possibilities. Inquiries made to the school by potential employers will be posted on the bulletin board. The school will assist the student to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee employment.
D.	Financial assistance is available though sever government agencies, i.e. workman's comp, Va,and Voc rehab.
	Refund policy – Should students be terminated or cancel for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following refund schedule:
1.	Cancellation must be made in person or by certified mail
2.	All monies will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted by the school or cancels within (3) business days after signing the enrollment agreement and making an initial payment.
3.	Cancellation after the third business day, but before the first class will result in the refund of all monies paid, with the exception or the registration fee.
4.	Cancellation after attendance has begun, but prior to 50% completion of the program, will result in a pro-rated refund computed on the number of the hours completed.
5.	Cancellation after 50% completion of the program, will result in no refund.
6.	Termination date, for refund cancellation purposes, is the date of actual attendance by the student unless earlier written notice is received.
7.	Refunds will be made within 30 days of termination or receipt of the cancellation notice.
8.	A student can be dismissed, at the discretion of the director, for insufficient progress, non-payment of costs, or failure to comply with the rules.

	We are presently working with the VA-Chapter 31, Workman's compensation, The State of Missouri and South Dakota and they are excited about our program because of the time frame and cost. You are eligible to send veterans to our school. We get calls from sign companies in the U.S. for student placement. I hope we can be of service to you.
	Neon tube bending is a dying art, while the signs themselves are making a comeback and are in great demand. A leading industry magazine, Signs of the Times, recently stated that the average tube bender in the United States has over twenty years experience. There is a concern in the industry that there will not be a new generation of benders to replace the old. Attention has turned to the small number of neon schools to produce new benders.
	Wholesale neon shops are constantly seeking benders to keep up with the demand from the sign shops. Currently, a large wholesale shop, Legends In Art, in Ft. Lauderdale, is looking to employ 25-30 benders but has only filled 5 positions. So you see, the demand for qualified benders far outweighs the current supply.
	Another option that many benders choose is opening their own shop, which can be done for a few thousand dollars.
	There are many career opportunities for the qualified neon bender and they are in demand. It is a profitable endeavor for anyone interested in learning the trade.
	If we can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to call us here at the school.
	Sincerely John LeClair, General Administrator
	Approved By Worker Comp. Voc. Rehab Vet. Adm.