The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Open House welcomes you to explore the dynamic pathways for professional growth on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center.
Every year, interested prospective students experience live demonstrations of groundbreaking programs from , showcasing powerhouses in Automotive, Diesel, Architecture, Dental Assisting, Radiologic Technology, Culinary, Graphic Arts, and many more. This event offers avenues to understand the employment landscape, with expert advice on enrolling, Financial Aid solutions, Counseling services, certificate or degree requirements, adaptable scheduling, and in-person, online, or hybrid courses for completion.
Choose Your CTE Adventure
“Many visitors are amazed by what they discover inside the Applied Technology Center and across ѿapp’s campuses,” says Kyle Cassinelli, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. “Seeing the facilities and interacting directly with expert faculty is eye-opening and inspiring for students who thrive in hands-on learning environments.
Cassinelli knows visitors may be unaware of which jobs are available. “Students can explore programs tied to in-demand careers, such as Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Public Safety, Information Technology, Business, and Hospitality. These directly align with high-growth industries in Northern Nevada and beyond, preparing them in sectors with abundant opportunities.”
Not only can the training offered through CTE at ѿapp prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce, but many programs provide the foundation needed to pursue further higher education in a chosen field. Examples include:
- A partnership with allows Graphic Arts and Media Technology students at ѿapp to complete the first three years of a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media degree before finishing their fourth year with NSU—all while remaining on the ѿapp physical locations.
- Associate degree recipients transfer seamlessly from ѿapp’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program to UNLV’s renowned Hospitality Management bachelor’s program, ranked among the best in the world.
“ѿapp’s CTE programs equip students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in their careers, whether they choose to enter the workforce directly or pursue further education,” Cassinelli said.
Learn From the Best
Besides the variety of skill-based training opportunities, if there’s one thing Cassinelli stated, our instructors are the real deal: professionals from the field who share their knowledge.
“ѿapp’s state-of-the-art facilities are complemented by expert instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Many have worked—or continue to work—in their industries, ensuring our curriculum stays current to today’s workforce needs while connecting students to valuable networks of local employers early in their education.”
Additionally, through partnerships with local agencies, you can access work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships or participate in industry-driven projects to ensure the skills they develop align with workforce needs. For example, ѿapp’s Advanced Manufacturing program partners with regional manufacturers to offer paid apprenticeships. CTE programs within Social Sciences provide valuable practicum experiences, such as working at the ѿapp Child Care Center.
“These hands-on experiences are a cornerstone of CTE, providing students with practical skills, industry connections, and a competitive edge in the job market,” Cassinelli said.
Motivation Gets You Started, Habit Keeps You Going
Here in northern Nevada, as the job market continues to have openings in numerous CTE fields, many students get hired while still in school.
“The most significant outcome of CTE is that every student who spends a little time in a CTE learning environment develops practical, transferable skills they can carry for life. These skills make students highly valuable and employable and set them apart from their peers who follow more traditional educational pathways,” Cassinelli said.
“While all post-secondary education is valuable, CTE students benefit from the unique advantage of learning by doing. They enter the workforce better prepared, often finding work more quickly, advancing faster, or earning higher wages.”
Please RSVP for the CTE Open House in advance. For more information, contact the Career and Technical Education staff.