Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) celebrated Apprenticeship Week with a momentous Apprenticeship Signing Day, solidifying its status as a pioneering institution in the State of New Jersey. This groundbreaking event underscores PCTI's commitment to Registered Apprenticeships and the transformative impact these work-based learning programs have on our community.
Under the leadership of Supervisor of Instruction, Mark Cacace, School to Careers (STC) coordinators Christopher Santhouse of the School of Culinary Arts and Jeffrey Bargiel of the School of Construction Technology, the event showcased a remarkable partnership between the school and industry. Notably, they were joined by esteemed representatives from the Department of Labor, including Michael Blatt, State Director, and Nicole Field, Apprenticeship & Training Representative. Additionally, the event featured distinguished representatives from the Department of Education, Dave Gehrke and Simone Wong, highlighting the collaborative nature of this initiative.
One of the standout achievements of this occasion is PCTI's role as an employer through the apprenticeship program. In a pioneering move, PCTI has become a model institution where the school itself acts as an employer, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to gain real-world experience while acquiring essential skills for their future careers.
Registered Apprenticeships are renowned for the many benefits they offer to both job seekers and job creators. These innovative "earn as you learn" models empower employers to bridge skill gaps, enhance productivity, and reduce turnover while providing individuals in the American workforce with invaluable pathways to launch new careers.
Culinary Arts students at PCTI are set to embark on an exciting journey with the launch of the new Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Program this year. Upon successful program completion, participants will be presented with the Apprenticeship certification from the Department of Labor, positioning them as highly skilled and job-ready candidates in the workforce.
In a parallel initiative, students from the School of Construction Technology have made a significant commitment through the Youth Transition to Work (YTTW) program, opening doors to explore apprenticeship opportunities within the building trade unions. Furthermore, the Construction Technology students had the privilege of engaging with distinguished speakers, including Chris DiMeo from YTTW, and former PCTI Construction Technology alumni who are now thriving in the industry.
Passaic County Technical Institute's School to Careers program continues to exemplify its dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and fostering vital partnerships that fuel economic growth in our region. PCTI proudly stands as a trailblazing institution in the State of New Jersey, pioneering the concept of the school as an employer through the apprenticeship program, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation and workforce development.