PirateQ 
Every February, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community recognizes CTE Month to highlight its crucial role in preparing students for college and career success. Pensacola State College proudly participates in this nationwide initiative by offering students professional development opportunities that enhance their skills, experience and confidence for today’s workforce.
To kick off CTE Month, PSC hosted a Spring Job Fair on Feb. 6 at the Delaino Student Center on the Pensacola campus. Forty-six local employers engaged with students, providing insights into career opportunities and industry expectations.
“The job fair is always a great opportunity for students to practice the soft skills of dressing professionally, creating a resume and speaking to our vendors about possible job opportunities. We are also excited about the activities we are hosting this next week,” said Deborah Hooks, Director of Career and Technical Education Student Resources.
CTE Specialist John Solet offered a resume pop-up workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the South Santa Rosa County Center at which participants learned to create a dynamic resume that captures employers’ and academic institutions’ attention. “Resume and cover letter writing is a skill many take for granted, but it’s a technique they need to have in their professional toolkit as they move forward, especially since they are earning these awesome certifications from PSC,” Solet said. He also emphasized that resumes serve purposes beyond job applications: those applying for colleges or scholarships often need strong academic resumes, too.
Upcoming CTE Events:
- CTE Open House – Friday, Feb. 14, 12 – 2 p.m., Bldg. 6, Room 641 at the Pensacola campus: Students, faculty and staff are invited to get in the Mardi Gras mood as they learn what the CTE program offers. Students will get Mardi Gras-themed cookie kits to decorate, and light refreshments will be provided for all as they learn about the services Career and Technical Education offers at PSC.
- “Dress for Success” Lunch & Learn – Monday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Delaino Student Center at the Pensacola campus: CTE partners with Pirates CARE to show attendees how to dress professionally for interviews and positions in the workforce. For added enjoyment, the Cosmetology program will demonstrate “DOs and DON’Ts” of hairstyles, makeup and clothing choices, giving students a clear idea of how to present themselves for career success. Veronica Jennings, Pirates CARE Director of Wellness Services, said that racks of clothing from the Pirates CARE Closet will be there for students to select up to six items to assist them with upcoming occasions like interviews and banquets. Pirates CARE accepts donations of professional clothing and accessories year-round to ensure all PSC students have access to attire that boosts their confidence for important occasions. Call 850-484-1759 or visit Pirates CARE for additional information.
- Professional Headshots – Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1 – 3 p.m., Bldg. 27, The Third Floor: Student Engagement partners with CTE for this much-anticipated event for PSC students to get professional headshots by a professional photographer. No professional outfit to wear for your photo? Don’t worry! Student Engagement Coordinator Chandler White assures participants that some options will be provided for them to borrow so they can feel confident in taking advantage of this opportunity! Contact Student Engagement Coordinator Chandler White at 850-475-4834 or cwhite@pensacolastate.edu for additional information.
PSC remains dedicated to empowering students with career-ready skills and connecting them with valuable resources to thrive in the workforce! Go, Pirates!
For more information about CTE programs, please call 850-484-1654. Deborah Hooks and the CTE team are happy to assist you!