WHAT'S HAPPENING AT NCTC?

Hello NCTC Families,

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’re helping students explore, grow, and discover what inspires them.

For information on Work-Based Learning, please scroll down for Rob Thayer's contact information.

To stay informed about future updates, please click "Subscribe" at the end of this newsletter.

Enjoy the updates!

MVU & BFA Fairfax Families -Monday Regular Day.

Mornings-Regular Times

Afternoons Altered Tuesday- 12:15-1:25, Wed, Thur, Fri- 12:15-1:55

BFA St. Albans Families - See the attached image

🥉SKILLS USA👷 April 7th-10th

💇The Salon is Open! Please call 802-527-6408 to make an appointment!

Salon Hours: Monday- 12-3, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12-5pm.

Visit the Salon’s website.

🧭Questions about NCTC Programs and Career Planning? Contact Susan Bosland, the School Counseling Coordinator at sbosland@maplerun.org

Here's the story from WCAX. You can click on the video embedded above.

Vermont middle schoolers go head-to-head in tech center challenges.

It gives them a taste of what tech school is like.

Our John McMahon went to the Northwest Career and Technical Center to see kids duke it out and learn how to build their futures.

Tragedy strikes a beloved childhood spud-- the potato pair now in pieces.

“Basically, there’s gonna be Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, who get into a car accident,” said student ambassador Riley Dexter.

Vermont middle schoolers have to put them back together.

“One student has the picture, the other students will have one individual who can collect pieces from the Mr. Potato Head bins, and the other one has to put the other ones in place,” said Medical Professions teacher Tim Hurteau.

The team-building task is part of the Northwest Career and Technical Center’s Tech & Engineering Day.

The event brings in students from across four schools to go head-to-head in a variety of challenges from health care to coding.

Organizer Dino Patsouris says it’s a huge draw to get young Vermonters interested in the tech center.

“They get to come in and use our space, use our tools, and be with our students and teachers, and that’s obviously a huge draw,” said Patsouris.

This year, the top school gets a sweet prize.

“We are donating a 3D printer to the winning school for their science classroom so they can kind of keep the theme of exploration rolling throughout the school year,” said Patsouris.

Student ambassador Riley Dexter is helping out at the competition. She’s a graduate of the tech & engineering day, participating herself in seventh grade.

“I knew I kinda wanted to work in the medical field, so I did to save the potato head, it kind of put my feet in the water to see if I wanted to actually do medical professions in the tech center,” said Dexter.

It paid off. Dexter hopes to be a physical therapist after she graduates.

She has two specific people-- or rather, potatoes-- to thank.

On March 25th, NCTC had our annual Job Interview Workshop at the Collins Perley Sports Complex, bringing together nearly 100 regional employers and over 320 students for a day focused on career readiness and workforce connections. The event, now in its tenth year, resulted in more than 600 job interviews, providing students with valuable, real-world experience.

During the workshop, each student participated in multiple mock interviews with employers representing a wide range of industries. Following their interviews, students completed handwritten thank-you notes, reinforcing the importance of professional communication and follow-up. While many students entered the day feeling nervous, they left with increased confidence and a stronger understanding of workplace expectations.

Preparation for the event took place throughout the school year, with faculty and staff playing a critical role in readying students for success. Through classroom instruction and hands-on practice, students developed resumes, refined interview skills, and strengthened communication and professionalism. We extend our sincere appreciation to the NCTC faculty and staff for their dedication in coordinating this large-scale event and preparing students so thoroughly.

The Job Interview Workshop continues to highlight the importance of strong partnerships between education and the local business community. By connecting students with employers while they are still in high school, the event helps students build networks, explore career opportunities, and gain insight into the skills needed for future success.

Natalie Powers is currently participating in a co-op placement with Hayward Tyler in Colchester, where she has been working as an apprentice welder. This week, Natalie reached an exciting milestone by transitioning into full-time employment with the company. Following graduation, she plans to continue advancing her skills by attending Western Welding Academy in Wyoming. During her time at Hayward Tyler, Natalie also completed a Harbor Freight Fellowship under the mentorship of Skip Raymond and Brian Benoit, further strengthening her experience and growth in the field.

Rob Thayer is the Work-based Learning Coordinator. Students apply the technical, academic, and professional skills they are learning to authentic settings such as job sites, internships, and apprenticeships. The goal is to help students explore careers, build employability skills, and gain experience that prepares them for the workforce, further training, or college.

Contact information: rthayer@maplerun.org

Engineering Technology Instructor

We are hiring an Engineering Technology Instructor for next year. Here's the job posting on SchoolSpring. Please share and spread the news! https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5558517

Hiring Guest Instructors

You don't need to be a builder to support in Building Trades, you don't need to be an engineer to support in Engineering. You just need a willingness to support a NCTC program when a teacher needs to be absent. Teachers leave detailed plans and you get to connect with some amazing high school students focusing on their future!

Know someone who is?

The Adult Career Development Center at the Northwest Career & Technical Center offers hands-on training in welding and medical fields right here on campus—plus access to hundreds of online career courses.

If you, a family member, or someone in your network is looking to build skills, switch careers, or explore new opportunities, we’re here to help!

Learn more on our website.

If you have questions about post-graduation plans, please contact Mrs. Bosland at sbosland@maplerun.org or 802-527-6512.

Careers & College Newsletter

NOTCH Scholarship Fund

https://notchvt.org/notch-scholarship-fund/

All applications received by the deadline of April 17th, 2026, will be considered.

The Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH) Scholarship Fund was created to invest in the residents of Northwestern Vermont who are pursuing the next step in their education and career. Whether you are just graduating from high school, returning to school later in life, changing career paths, or building on skills you already have, this scholarship is meant to help you move forward.

Each year, NOTCH awards four scholarships of up to $2,500 each to individuals pursuing continuing education to start, advance, or strengthen their expertise in their chosen field. This program is for anyone who wants to grow, learn something new, or build a better future for themselves and their family.

Scholarship funds can be used for a wide range of education and training opportunities, including college tuition and fees, certification programs, professional licensing, and other continuing education pathways. Scholarship awards are paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution.

At NOTCH, we are proud to invest in the people who live and work here. When our neighbors gain new skills and new opportunities, our entire community becomes stronger.

Eligibility for the NOTCH scholarship includes meeting the following criteria:

Must be a resident of Franklin or Grand Isle County.

Who Can Apply

This scholarship is for anyone working to further their education, including:

● High school seniors
● Adult learners returning to school
● Individuals earning certifications, credentials, or training

What It Can Be Used For

Scholarship funds may be used for:

● College tuition and fees
● Certification or workforce training programs
● Professional licensing (example: CDL)

Awards are paid directly to the educational institution.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

● Academic record
● Community involvement
● Career goals

Preference is given to:

● First-generation students
● NOTCH employees or children of NOTCH employees

Chauncey B Warner Scholarship

Click Here for the 2026 Chauncey B Warner Scholarship application. Eligibility for the Chauncey B. Warner Scholarship is determined by the family’s income based on low-income guidelines set by the federal government. Special consideration is given to financial need, academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and initiative.

As always, applications are due May 1st by emailing all documents to warnerhomescholarships@gmail.com or mailing to: Chauncey B. Warner Scholarship, P.O. Box 535, St. Albans, VT 05478.