12/08/25 Volume 4, Edition 17

The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) provides students with unique opportunities to explore specialized career pathways not available at their home schools. CTEC equips students with the skills and experiences needed for success in high-demand industries and post-secondary education by offering hands-on training, industry-aligned certifications, and innovative learning environments. 

CTEC is available to students interested in pathways not offered at home school sites. 

We’re excited to welcome all our students, staff, and instructors back for another incredible year of hands-on learning and career exploration! Whether you're returning to continue your journey or stepping into our labs and classrooms for the first time, we’re proud to have you as part of our CTE family.

We look forward to new opportunities to grow your skills, connect with industry professionals, and prepare for a successful future in your chosen field — whether it's healthcare, technology, trades, or beyond.

Let’s work together, stay focused, and make this year your most impactful one yet!

Here’s to a safe, productive, and inspiring year at the Center!

Amber Renee Boyd

Student Experience

Students enrolled in CTEC remain registered at their home high schools but attend CTEC for half a day every other day. This arrangement allows them to benefit from specialized training while maintaining their connection to their home school.

CTEC is designed to provide comprehensive career and technical education that aligns with regional industry needs, promotes equitable access to career pathways, and enhances both student outcomes and local economic development.

On December 4, 2025, a group of CTEC students had the exciting opportunity to attend Maritime Interaction Day at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans—an event designed to introduce young people to the vast and evolving world of maritime careers. Hosted by We Work the Waterways, this annual experience brings together more than 300 students from across the region and serves as a gateway to high-demand career pathways on and around the water.

Throughout the day, students navigated the exhibit floor of the Morial Convention Center, stopping at interactive stations that allowed them to explore real maritime tools, equipment, and technologies. From learning about vessel operations and maritime logistics to speaking directly with industry professionals, students gained firsthand insight into career opportunities in commercial shipping, marine engineering, coastal restoration, offshore energy, and more.

The hands-on demonstrations gave students an up-close view of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this essential industry. Many students left inspired by the possibilities and energized by the idea of becoming future maritime leaders. A special thank-you goes to We Work the Waterways for providing this impactful experience and for their continued commitment to preparing the next generation of maritime professionals.

McKinley High School (12-01-2025)

Belaire High School (12-04-2025)

Northeast High School (12-05-2025)

Our CTEC Culinary Arts students had the honor of preparing a delightful sweet treat for the Statewide Superintendents’ Meeting held on December 2, 2025—and their work made a lasting impression! A representative from the event shared glowing feedback, noting that the treats were “very tasty and great presentation.”

This opportunity allowed our aspiring chefs to showcase their skills on a prestigious platform, demonstrating professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. We are incredibly proud of the Culinary team for representing CTEC with excellence and for delivering a dessert experience that delighted educational leaders from across the state.

Kudos to our student chefs and the instructors who guided them—outstanding work!

CTEC Culinary Students Debut Official Chef Uniforms 

We are excited to share that our CTEC Culinary Arts students are now wearing their official CTEC chef uniforms as they continue developing their skills and professionalism in the kitchen. These uniforms not only reflect the high standards of our program but also help students step confidently into their roles as aspiring chefs.

Wearing their chef coats, hats, and aprons, students are embracing the expectations of the culinary industry—demonstrating discipline, teamwork, sanitation practices, and pride in their craft. The new uniforms symbolize their commitment to excellence as they refine techniques, prepare dishes, and gain the hands-on experience needed for future culinary careers.

We are proud of their growth and look forward to seeing what they create next!