Rewarded for superb work, dedication to duty, and culinary excellence, these students received over 75 hours of hands-on training. They prepared quick breads, assorted yeast breads and rolls, cake decorating, and special pastry production, including making puff pastry, danish, and croissant dough…from scratch!

FCTC Chef Instructor Kevin Gallagher, CCC, said that "this is the best class of students we’ve had from the Navy in years! They are hard-working with superb skills. It is exciting to see what they can create."

At the end of their two week FCTC training, the Navy students showcase their talents with a spectacular graduation luncheon and a display of their creations for all guests to taste.

These culinary specialists return to their command post with two weeks of enhanced training coupled with St Augustine’s southern hospitality.

Attached photo: US Navy Culinary Specialists train at FCTC with Chef Instructor, Kevin Gallagher, CCC.
Gulfport, MS: Kenneth McClendon
NAS Jax: Sherman Crutchfield and Scott Wistrand
NS Mayport: Quinton Upshaw, Damien Jones and Evon Daily.
NAS Ft Worth, TX: Sean Dzobel and Terrance Bolton.
GTMO: Jason Thompson and Anicesha Rogers.
USS Philippine Sea: Marcel Georges, Donovan Dixon, Linton McCleod and Darron May.

FCTC hosted a reception to honor each of the four practical nursing classes while Administration recognized the students, commitments and significant work they perform in their chosen career.

“This is a great opportunity to honor our profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities our profession offers,” said Patricia Rench, RN, BSN, FCTC Health Science Coordinator.

2012 Practical Nursing Students Senior Class

2012  Practical Nursing Students Junior Class

2012  Practical Nursing Students Night

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and businesses working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce by providing quality education experiences set by industry standards.

Joshua Whitehead – Gold in Power Equipment Technology (adult)
Michael Kilgore – Gold in Power Equipment Technology (high school)
Brandon Bowen – Gold in Cabinetmaking (high school)
Christopher Thompson – Gold in Job Skill Technology (high school)
Marlon Ochoa-Jamies – Silver in Job Skill Technology (high school)

FCTC’s four gold medal recipients travel to Kansas City, MO, June 23-27, for the National Conference. This is Brandon Bowen’s second trip to Nationals for he represented FCTC in 2011. “I now know what to expect on the national level and plan to bring home a gold medal!” said Bowen.

More than 5,400 outstanding career and technical education students will compete hands-on in over 90 trade, technical and leadership fields.

FCTC offers training in over 30 careers at four St Augustine and Palatka campus locations. For info call 547-3282, go to www.fctc.edu or email ude.ctcfnull@ofni

Attached photo: FCTC State SkillsUSA medal winners are: seated, Brandon Bowen.
Standing, l-r: Marlon Ochoa-Jamies, Christopher Thompson, Michael Kilgore and Joshua Whitehead.

• Engine Repair
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
• Manual Drive Train & Axles
• Suspension & Steering
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronic Systems
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Engine Performance

ASE exams verify the attainment of advanced mechanical skills and are no cinch to pass; these nationally renowned certifications prove one’s expertise.

“Automotive technology is constantly advancing, so auto repair is more complicated than ever,” said Vincent Annese, FCTC Instructor. “FCTC prepares students to obtain the most valuable professional certifications.”

After Parry completes a year of working for a leading repair shop, he plans to open his own business. When Parry hangs the ASE logo on his sign, his customers can be assured they will receive excellent service.

For program details, a tour, and financial aid information call 547-3445 or email ude.ctcfnull@esenna.tnecniV

"Frank has served the community a long time and knows the needs of our students,” said Dr Christine Cothron, FCTC President. “In addition to his work in the Fire Science programs, he was instrumental in obtaining accreditation for our Paramedic program from the Committee on Accreditation of Education for Emergency Medical Services Professionals (CoAEMSP).”

McElroy graduated FCTC’s firefighter program in 1979 and by 1982 had completed the emergency medical technician and paramedic programs. After working for St. Johns County in all of those capacities he recently retired as the Fire Prevention Chief with St Johns County Fire Rescue.

McElroy brings 30+ years of firefighting/emergency medical services (EMS) expertise and says he will continue to provide a skilled workforce. “It’s my honor to continue FCTC’s mission to meet the changing needs of students so they can graduate from an accredited school and seek state and national certification in the public safety field.” said McElroy.

Applications are accepted for both day and night firefighter classes that will start in August 2012. For info call 547-3540 or email ude.ctcfnull@yorlecm.knarf

In January, Pedro Menendez High School Health Sciences students began a daily commute to First Coast Technical College for a customized electrocardiogram class.

An electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, records the heart's electrical activity and assists in the diagnosis of cardiovascular ailments.

“FCTC’s high school curriculum provides skills so students may become a Certified EKG Aide,” said Darcey Howe, RN, BSN, FCTC Instructor. Students perform EKG’s on community volunteers to become competent.

“This is a great stepping-stone for students who wish to pursue a healthcare career,” continued Howe. “Several seniors plan to enroll in an FCTC training program to acquire multiple proficiencies.”

FCTC is accepting applications for eight Health Science certification programs at the St Augustine and Palatka campuses. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For info call 547-3471, email ude.ctcfnull@nerraw.arbed or go to www.fctc.edu and click programs.

Attached photo: Austin Adlesberger and Damian Carr analyze an EKG print-out.

Bianca Ramrup and Ashley Fortus perform an EKG on Laurie Morton, a volunteer patient, in FCTC lab.

The week of April 23-27, FCTC students commuted to the TPC Sawgrass for an alternate class site location.

“TPC Sawgrass winds through compelling landscape and boasts the signature 17th Hole Island Green,” said Eddie Lambert, FCTC instructor. “Students are always in awe of the course grandeur. This is a tremendous opportunity to witness where an internationally televised tournament takes place because the TPC incorporates our entire curriculum.”

FCTC’s AgriScience program includes sports/recreational turf management, nursery/landscape operations, and pest control. Enrollment accepted for summer session scheduled to begin June 11th. For info call 547-3282 or email ude.ctcfnull@trebmal.eidde

Photo  l-r:  Shane Jacobs, Colton Briston, Jessie Brannon, Travis Eklund, Hunter Duke, Jesse Gosline & Richie VanKirk.
 

FCTC has partnered with business and industry in the tri-county area to provide on-the-job work readiness skills. Students attend Mon-Thurs, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., during the month of June.

FCTC’s Career Navigator program, funded under the Workforce Investment Act, is designed to further a student’s career objective and may provide support with tuition, books, supplies, childcare, and uniforms. Specific eligibility apply.

For info, call 547-3367 or email ude.ctcfnull@repooc.yesak

New student enrollment is accepted for career training at FCTC’s St Augustine and Palatka campus locations for Cosmetology, Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, and AgriScience. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Perhaps your child would like to be a chef for a week at a FCTC Cooking Camp. ‘Tweens, ages 8–12, choose from June 18–21 or July 16-19. Teens, ages 13-17, choose from July 9–12 or July 23–26. Camp size is limited. $195 fee includes all materials, groceries, professional instruction, and lunch for the four-day session, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FCTC Summer Session registrations are now being accepted. In St Augustine, call 547.3282, Palatka, 386-326-9000 or email ude.ctcfnull@ofni

Free to all participants, FCTC can get you started on a pathway toward your preferred career by offering the following services:

• FCTC campus tour and descriptions of career programs
• Development of a customized education and career plan
• Assistance enrolling in a career program
• Exploration of financial aid opportunities
• Targeted assistance to help overcome obstacles to completing education
• Mentoring from experts in varied professions
• On-going counseling and student advisement

For FCTC Career Pathway info, call 547-3434 or email ude.ctcfnull@sregor.ymmat