CTECS Launches New Career Center 

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System has launched a new Career Center targeting students and employers in trade industries. 

With approximately 16,000 students and 20 school sites covering a wide range of trade industries, CTECS is a leader in technical education in Connecticut. 

CTECS designed the Career Center to be a comprehensive hub to connect employers, students, and alumni with career opportunities and resources.

“We got feedback from many, many of our business and industry partners, saying it’s really difficult to know how and who to contact at CTECS for that direct mainline access to your students,” executive director Dr. Ellen Solek told the CBIA BizCast in February. 

“But we need more than that. We also need a place that affords students the opportunities to come in and learn more about ‘How do I apply for a job? Who do I apply to? What kind of interview skills do I need?’”

Online Platform

The Career Center online platform offers features designed to streamline communication, recruitment, and engagement at CTECS locations in the state.

Employers can set up a profile that allows them to identify schools and trades they want to work with.

They will be able to connect directly with graduates and CTECS students.

The online platform offers features designed to streamline communication, recruitment, and engagement at CTECS locations.

For employers, the center will offer: 

• Postings for job openings, work-based learning opportunities, and internships
• A job board searchable by trade and location
• A comprehensive database of student and alumni resumes
• Invitations to participate in Program Advisory Committee meetings, career fairs, and other events
• Ability to request virtual or in-person hiring events 
• Opportunities to elevate brand visibility among CTECS network of students, graduates, and staff

‘Game Changer’

Students and graduates will be invited into the system in early May to begin applying and connecting with employers. 

The Career Center also has a physical office at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown.

“It’s really going to be a game changer.”

CTECS’ Brent McCartney

Solek and CTECS educational consultant Brent McCartney told the BizCast that CTECS is partnering with more businesses and industries to provide work based learning opportunities. 

They said the Career Center is part of their mission of being the primary workforce pipeline for Connecticut employers.

“It’s really going to be a game changer,” said McCartney.