CTECS students showcased their skills and earned medals and honors at this year`s 2024 @SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (#NLSC24), where the best career and technical education (#CTE) students nationwide got to compete in over 100 different #trade, #technical, and #leadership events.

🏆 In the end, CTECS had 25 students place in the top 10 and 16 students place in the top 20!

🔗 For more information on #NLSC24 and a list of our students who achieved outstanding accomplishments, visit cttech.org/news ...

Congrats to Rey Williams, #GraphicDesign senior at @eli_whitney_tech for winning the State of Connecticut Office of #Manufacturing Logo Contest!

Rey will be attending @ccsu_official in the fall to pursue a degree in #Graphics Technology. Be on the lookout for his logo design in future Office of Manufacturing marketing materials!

Joining in celebration of this achievement were CTECS Executive Director Dr. Ellen Solek and Chief of Staff Ronke Stallings, Connecticut`s Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, @ct_decd Chief Marketing Officer Anthony M. Anthony, @ctcenterforadvancedtech`s Eileen Candels, Connecticut Office of Manufacturing`s Michelle Hall, and Eli Whitney Technical High School Principal Mr. Joe DiNatale and Graphics Department Head Mr. Robert Martinchek. ...

Last week, juniors in #Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing at @wilcoxtech were instructed on Envirobase High Performance (EHP) Basecoat and Clearcoat applications by @ppgindustries Refinish Solutions specialist, Erin Detchon.

Not only were the students walked through the product line of the water-base basecoat technology, including the usage and capabilities of each product, but also received hands-on training by applying the products to test panels.

Mrs. Detchon also spoke to the students regarding the importance of competitions like @skillsusa, where #PPG is a state and national sponsor, that give students opportunities to be employed by large manufacturers. ...

The @blackgirlsrock Film Fest has selected a documentary by @jmwrighttech Digital Media Department Head Jennifer Poteau entitled "STILL GIRL," for its 2024 lineup. The #BlackGirlsRock film festival, which is held in Atlanta, GA from June 21-23, is an exhibition of independent films and media by innovative creators of color.

“STILL GIRL” explores the #empowerment of young women of color through workshops in emotional intelligence, self-love, and leadership, intertwining their stories with broader historical and cultural contexts. The film has been selected to be screened in the #documentary short category.

Congrats to Mrs. Poteau for this amazing achievement! 👏

🔗 For more information on the film festival, visit wright.cttech.org/news

#BGR2024 ...

CTECS has officially adopted the Call Before You Dig (#CBYD) EducationAccess Excavator Course!

This program ensures our #construction students are well-prepared and safety-conscious while excavating. In addition, CBYD has provided professional development to 140 of our construction trade teachers. This means our students are now learning from instructors who are fully equipped with the latest #safety and #excavation knowledge.

Just this past week, CTECS was honored with an award for outstanding participation in the EducationAccess program and 10 of our senior construction trade students each received a $1,000 scholastic award from CBYD to support their future careers in the trade. Pictured with CTECS students and staff are CBYD board member Tom Bashaw and CBYD President Derek Brown.

We`re incredibly proud of our students and teachers for their commitment to excellence and safety! ...

Today at our board meeting, CTECS was thrilled to honor retirees from across all our schools! Additionally, it was a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our board chairperson, Pat Keavney, after decades of dedicated service in various roles across CTECS.

Wishing all retirees the best in their future endeavors and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment to CTECS and our students over the years. 👏 ...

Repost from @ctnationalguard:
"𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞

Vinal Tech High School and Bullard-Havens Technical High School criminal justice programs took part in a National Guard drill weekend simulation challenge! Our 2 night 3 day event started with the students setting up their own Area of Operation and later on they learned to rappel down our 30 foot tower! Next, they tackled our Leadership Action Course with amazing determination! We also had some of our units come out and display our vehicles and equipment to showcase the capabilities of the National Guard. These students accepted the challenge and displayed a great deal of courage and professionalism!" ...

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association (#CARA) competition!

🏆: Michael Powell, Emmett O`Brien Technical High School
🥈: Zachary Rebello, Windham Technical High School
🥉: Adon Burell, Oliver Wolcott Technical High School

Held at Gengras Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in East Hartford, CT, students competed across 9 challenge stations ranging from #diagnostics and pre-delivery #inspections to #suspension alignment and a job readiness interview. Cash prizes and scholarships totaling over fifty thousand dollars were awarded.

Thank you to the sponsors and supporters that made this event a reality!
Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, @gengrasmotors, @gatewaycc, Megatech, @snapon_official, Viking Equipment ...

10th and 11th grade students from @wilcoxtech`s #GraphicDesign program took a recent field trip to @ccsu_official to tour their new interactive #XR lab, as well as shadow the #DigitalImaging and #MotionGraphics class taught by Peggy Bloomer, Assistant Professor of Art & Design.

There, Wilcox and CCSU students were partnered together to create a poster based around the topic of social justice called "Justice for All." What the students didn`t realize was that Mrs. Bloomer planned to present these students with a design contest, where six students were awarded prizes for their designs!

A huge thank you to Peggy Bloomer and the #Art and #Design department at CCSU for this memorable experience! ...

Our #VeterinaryTechnology students had an eye-opening experience this week with a special guest speaker from @theseeingeye. Joan Markey, a seasoned guide dog instructor with over 30 years of experience, shared her insights into this career path.

Joan not only trains guide dogs but also instructs the blind individuals they`re matched with. It was inspiring for our students to learn about the intricate training process and the profound impact these dogs have on their owners` lives. Students also discovered the diverse career opportunities available at The Seeing Eye, from breeding to #veterinary care.

A huge thank you to Joan Markey and The Seeing Eye for this enriching experience! 👏🐾 ...

We`re thrilled to announce that Carter, a talented Grade 12 #Carpentry student at @vinaltechhs has signed on to work with PDC Incorporated, a leading professional drywall company. At just 17 years old, Carter is one of seven CT Technical High School students who`ve recently joined the #CarpentersUnion, thanks to the lowered age entry requirement this year. He`s paving the way as the very first Vinal Tech student to enter construction #apprenticeship through the #WorkBasedLearning (#WBL) program.

This innovative partnership with #CarpentersLocal326 isn`t just about individual success — it`s about addressing the labor shortages that have been a challenge for Connecticut`s #construction industry. Pictured with Carter are PDC Superintendents, Carpenter Union representatives, and the dedicated Vinal Tech administration and teaching staff. ...

As a part of their yearly curriculum, @platttechhs #Architecture Instructor Michael Buonocore teaches his students about concrete #construction by building a small 2"x2"x12" beam.

This year, in order to test the strength of the beams, Mr. Buonocore took his seniors to the @universityofhartford Civil, Environmental, and Biomedical #Engineering department, where they allowed the students to use their professional testing equipment in order to test durability. ...

Seniors in @vinaltechhs’s #CriminalJustice and #ProtectiveServices (CJPS) program recently raised money to have 100 teddy bears, each with a note of encouragement, made for sick and injured kids as a part of their senior project.

#CJPS seniors Jenna Quiles and Eliz Rodriguez-Toledo delivered their project to Hartford Healthcare’s Hunter`s Ambulance Service today to distribute to their ambulances as well as @connecticutchildrens. They were also joined by seniors Chad Douglas, Adyn Darlin, and their instructor David Cruickshank.

A remarkable initiative and collaboration between these great students and their community! 👏 ...

More than 100 CT and RI students got an up-close look at careers in #manufacturing and #defense yesterday at the Maritime Welding Competition and Career Exploration Event sponsored by @ProjectMFG, @GDElectricBoat, and #SENEDIA–The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation.

With 24 students competing from six area schools, Lucas Ubrowicz from @GrassoTech took home top honors in the #welding competition portion, during which the students were timed and judged on their ability to weld a miniature submarine. Spencer Johnson from @Cheney_Tech and Parker Slaugenhaup from @CHARIHOtech came in second and third place, respectively. 🏆 🥈 🥉

In addition to the competition, the event–hosted at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School–featured #ProjectMFG Connect, a networking and informational fair showcasing the work of and potential employment opportunities from regional suppliers in the submarine #shipbuilding and #defensemanufacturing industry.

🔗 Read more about the event by visiting cttech.org/news ...

Yesterday, @repjoecourtney visited businesses in Northeast Connecticut where current @ellistechhs students are gaining valuable work experience through the #WorkBasedLearning (WBL) program. They discussed the benefits of WBL and how past graduates from the technical high schools are paving the way for today’s students in #WorkforceDevelopment.

At @wbahomes, where four Ellis Tech students are currently employed, the Congressman saw firsthand the meaningful work these students are doing for real customers. Adam Reynolds, Owner/Master Electrician of @areynoldselectric and an Ellis Tech graduate, expressed gratitude for the state`s support of these programs, highlighting how students are earning while learning—an attractive option for the future.

Congressman Courtney emphasized, "For trade schools, this is their time to shine. There are so many job opportunities available right now."

Later, at the @vanillabeancafe, Congressman Courtney met with Ellis Tech culinary students participating in #WBL, alongside Nathan LaBossiere, a café manager and Ellis Tech culinary graduate himself. Nathan credited WBL for giving him a head start in his career. ...

A.I. Prince Technical High School students Adrian Dilone and Kelly Serrano were recently asked to sing with the professional choir, Concora (Connecticut Choral Artists), to help celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Prince Tech music instructor Louise Fauteux has been a member of Concora for ten years and was thrilled to feature the exemplary chorus students for this special event! ...

The @abbott_tech Precision Machining shop has played a pivotal role in the ambitious upgrade of the @mccarthy.observatory telescope.

Initially built in 2000 to encourage science education and curiosity among students, founding #observatory member Bob Lambert realized that an upgraded custom plate was needed in order to mount a brand new telescope for the McCarthy Observatory, requiring precise engineering, intricate machining and attention to detail to match the specifications of the new hardware. “No machine shop was willing to take on the project due to its complexity and size,” said Bob. “That’s when we took a long shot and turned to Abbott Tech.”

Abbott Tech #PrecisionMachining instructors Jim Mills and Steve Bova accepted the challenging project in order to provide valuable learning experiences for the students, as well as showcasing collaboration between educational institutions and community organization.

🔗 Read more about the project here at cttech.org/news ...

The #PrecisionMachining Technology (#PMT) and #Mechatronics students at @platttechhs were visited yesterday by four companies in a career event organized by the @greaternhchamber.

Special thanks to the representatives from Edgewell Personal Care, Bausch+Ströbel, @brookandwhittle and @timesmicrowavesystems for the visit! ...

Over 850 CTECS students and teachers from the state’s 17 technical high schools got a chance to compete in the annual @skillsusa State Conference on March 22, 2024. Held throughout 13 different locations, the main site being H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, over 53 different on-the-job challenges in various categories were completed.

This year, 75 CTECS students qualified and will move on to the #SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference, set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia in June, where they’ll represent Connecticut in another showcase of career and technical skills alongside other technical high schools students from around the country.

👏 Congratulations to all the students involved in making this year’s 2024 SkillsUSA State Conference a success!

🏆 View the full list of the students that placed in the top 3 of their competition by visiting cttech.org/news ...

Earlier this week, Norwich Technical High School Business Management and Administration (#BMA) students competed amongst 1,150 other DECA Inc. students from other chapters across the state at the 72nd State Career Development Conference (#SCDC).

During the Conference, students competed in Professional Selling, Financial Consulting, Apparel and Accessories Marketing, Retail Merchandising Series, and Team Decision Making/ Marketing Management.

At the end of the day, the Norwich Tech chapter was awarded the coveted #DECA glass trophy. Additionally, BMA seniors Joey Lynn Mills and Lismary Aguilar took home third place in Team Decision Making, Marketing Management, making them eligible to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference (#ICDC) held in Anaheim, CA April 27-30th! 👏 ...

Last week, @gdelectricboat arrived at @cheney_tech to interview students from multiple trade programs including #Diesel and Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, #AutomotiveTechnology, #Carpentry, Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology (#MDET), Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (#HVAC) and #Welding and Metal Fabrication. The Welding students were also given a brief weld test to evaluate their skills. At the end of the event, sixteen students were interviewed and provided with a job offer from Electric Boat! 👏 ...

Several Platt Technical High School #Electrical seniors have started working in collaboration with our #aviation school, Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians, located at Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

In the first phase of their project, these Platt students have been working to change out all current lighting to LEDs in three classrooms as well as within the paint shop. When the project is completed, the electrical consumption within the school will be reduced by at least 50%! ...

The Ella T. Grasso Technical High School #DigitalMedia juniors took a visit recently to @wtnh8 for some up close industry exposure.

Led by #WTNH Chief Photographer Ryan Bernat, the students received a studio tour and were able to view the 12:00 newscast anchored by Ann Nyberg, an expert in the industry with over 40 years of experience and several prestigious awards for her broadcast #journalism skills. ...