There are endless possibilities within the workforce regarding career paths and passions, and for high schoolers, it is agreed that choosing a career path can be overwhelming. The Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC) offers students the opportunity to explore future career paths through engaging classes, while also allowing them to take AP classes and other core courses through their high school.
FHC offers students the opportunity to take a step into the real world, gaining a head start on their intended career path at KCTC while earning the high school credits necessary for graduation.
KCTC offers 20 various career and technical training programs. Health Careers is one of the most common among students at FHC. Junior Emma Krivickas is a current member of the Health Career Foundation at KCTC.
“[At KCTC], we do a lot of stuff,” Emma said. “I’m in the Health Career Foundation, and we do labs along with classroom work, just kind of like your normal school day but with a little bit more emphasis on what you want to do for your future career. I want to go into healthcare, and KCTC provides so many certifications that you can get, like getting CPR certified, and everyone in the program receives three college credits in medical terminology.”
For Emma, this facility offers a quicker and more efficient route to her high school career. Rather than taking classes that don’t align with what she wants to do, health-based career classes set her up for success after high school.
“Next year, I plan on doing the nursing program,” Emma said. “If I pass the exam at the end of the year, I can be a certified nurse by the time I graduate. Because of everything I do at KCTC, it will really make college a lot easier for me, so that way, I can get a head start in my career as soon as I’m out of high school.”
Although many choose the healthcare route, the tech center offers numerous programs, one of which is automotive technology. Throughout high school, junior Conrad Hemmingsen has never had a specific idea of what he wants to do in the future; however, after taking classes at KCTC, he discovered a genuine interest in automobiles. KCTC helped him find direction for his future—something he hadn’t discovered in the courses offered at FHC.
“I work on cars, and I’m on the autobody collision and repair [pathway],” Conrad said. “It’s definitely something I want to pursue in the future because it’s a very hands-on-based job, which in my opinion, is a lot easier to learn through. I decided to sign up for this program because it sounded interesting and possibly something I might want to do after high school.”
After giving up half of his schedule to participate in the automotive classes, Conrad has no regrets. Along with forming countless new friendships with students from other districts, Conrad has created a schedule that supports both his education and his mental well-being.
“KCTC has such a large variety of people there, as every school in Kent County offers this program to students,” Conrad said. “Also, by doing KCTC, I end school early every day, which gives me a head start to finish homework for my classes and overall an easier schedule, and on top of that, I can learn more about my future career and what I plan to do with it.”
Sometimes, students need a break; the organization offers programs for students just like junior Ella Haughey, who don’t exactly know what they want to do but want a fun way to explore different careers. Ella decided to participate in the culinary arts program this year, where she has learned various baking techniques, along with having a fun and relaxing break in her stressful schedule.
“I do culinary arts and baking stuff,” Ella said. “My favorite part about KCTC is definitely how many friends I’ve made and overall experiencing new ways of doing school.”
Through KCTC, Ella has quickly learning that sitting in class all day, listening to a teacher’s monotone voice, is not her way of learning. Through her culinary classes, she noticed a boost in her mood and learning experience.
“I like KCTC a lot more than regular school,” Ella said. “When I’m in my culinary classes, I am in a different environment, which helps me learn a lot more easily. The ways of learning at KCTC are a lot different than regular classes at school, and it honestly helps me a lot more.”
Offering these classes to students across Kent County has allowed FHC students to connect with peers from other schools while gaining deeper insights into their career paths and educational opportunities.
“KCTC is a great way for students at our school to learn new things through hands-on learning activities,” Ella said. “For anyone who finds listening to lectures in class difficult, KCTC is the perfect opportunity for you.”
