WHAT'S HAPPENING AT NCTC?
December 19th, 2025
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!
Building Trades II Students
Automotive
In this episode the Morning students have been doing a deep dive into the Brake System, specifically, they have been learning the minutiae of what is involved in the successful execution of a professional Disc Brake service, and practicing those skills in the shop space.
The Morning students have been studying brakes for quite a while now and are probably ready for a break. Little do they know, but there is so much more about brakes to learn....Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, the Afternoon students have been exercising their newly acquired knowledge of Charging Systems by the application of Removal, Disassembling, Testing, Reassembling, and Installation of Alternators.
They have been getting a real charge out of this!
Building Trades
We also want to welcome James Lavigne-Owen as a Lab Supervisor. James is a former Building Trades student and we're thrilled that he's back with us!
Cosmetology
Our first year students just wrapped up with manicuring. Our second and third year students had a visit with an industry professional talking about salon life and explaining differences between commission and rental salons. We also had a mid-year class start from MVU!
Culinary Arts
Digital Media
Students in the Digital Media program recently wrapped up their logo design unit, showcasing their creativity and branding skills through original designs.
This week, students are completing their Certiport certification exams in Photoshop and Premiere Pro, working toward earning industry-recognized credentials. Alongside testing, classes have engaged in thoughtful discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in digital media, exploring ethical considerations and responsible use of emerging technologies.
In addition, some students have been developing a stop-motion graphic video project (photo featured), demonstrating their storytelling and production skills through hands-on, creative work.
Engineering
Engineering students are currently working on their final project for the drafting portion of the class. This project serves as a culmination of the technical skills they have developed throughout the year. Students have designed a detailed component that they will soon manufacture on the lathe, bringing their drawings to life in the shop.
Throughout the drafting process, students have incorporated advanced techniques such as section views, precise dimensioning, and proper technical drawing standards. The project requires them to apply everything they have learned, ensuring their designs are accurate, functional, and ready for production.
Once drafting is complete, students will transition into the shop to machine their projects using a variety of lathe tool heads and setups. This hands-on phase will challenge them to apply their technical knowledge, measurement skills, and safety practices in a real-world manufacturing context. Students are eager to begin the machining process and see their designs transformed from paper to finished product.
Human Services
Seniors in the Human Services Program are actively preparing for their spring internships through a structured and professional planning process. One senior recently updated his resume, practiced interview skills, and participated in a formal interview with the principal and assistant principal at St. Albans City School for a paraprofessional co-op position. We are proud to share that he was offered the job, which will provide valuable hands-on experience working with elementary students in a paid role. Throughout the process, students work closely with instructors to complete paperwork and coordinate with central office to ensure professional readiness.
Meanwhile, first-year students are continuing their study of Human Growth and Development, focusing on middle childhood (ages 6–10) through learning experiences at St. Albans City School. They are also completing Vermont’s 9-hour “Better Kid Care” orientation training, a state-recognized credential for working with children. These experiences help students build confidence, professionalism, and career-ready skills for the future.
Medical Professions
First-year Medical Professions students are currently studying the muscular system as part of their Anatomy & Physiology I college course. As part of this unit, students researched various muscular disorders and created educational posters to demonstrate their understanding.
Second-year students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. Many are halfway through their LNA training at CarePartners, building essential patient care skills. Six students are continuing to progress through the Pharmacy Technician program, with one student completing an internship at Notch Pharmacy and another gaining experience through an internship at a local nursing home. These real-world opportunities are helping students build strong foundations for careers in healthcare.
Outdoor Technology
Students in the Outdoor Technology program are actively preparing for the upcoming sugaring season in the sugarbush located at St. Albans City School. In anticipation of sap flow, students have been hard at work improving the site by removing invasive species, widening and clearing trails for safe access, and identifying and marking healthy maple trees for tapping.
Through this hands-on work, students are applying forestry management skills, learning proper tree identification and tapping practices, and gaining an understanding of sustainable land stewardship. They are also preparing the evaporator and related equipment to ensure everything is ready for the first sap run.
This seasonal project provides valuable real-world experience in outdoor resource management while connecting students to Vermont’s rich maple sugaring tradition.
(Photo is students at fish hatchery)
Pre-School (Curiosity Corners)
Curiosity Corners Preschool was focusing on strengthening their tricycle skills while developing important gross motor abilities. Children focused on pedaling, steering, starting and stopping safely, and navigating simple pathways and turns.
Riding tricycles helps build leg strength, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, which are all essential components of early childhood physical development. Beyond the physical benefits, students also practiced taking turns, following directions, building confidence, and celebrating their progress.
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Over the past two weeks, students in the Public Safety & Law Enforcement program have been working through Unit 9: Effective Communication (a college course). This unit focuses on the critical role communication plays in emergency response and public safety operations. Students have been learning how 911 systems function, practicing the phonetic alphabet, and developing verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills used in the field.
As part of their hands-on training, students will soon begin using radios to simulate emergency situations, applying proper communication protocols and procedures in realistic scenarios.
An upcoming assessment will measure their understanding of the common 10-codes, the communications flow chart, and the phonetic alphabet — all essential tools for effective and professional public safety communication.
Work-Based Learning
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
Counseling Corner
If you have questions about post-graduation plans, please contact Mrs. Bosland at sbosland@maplerun.org or 802-527-6512.
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!
Wennar Scholarship - Medical Related
Managed by Northwestern Medical Center. Applications are due April 1st, 2026. See the attachment as well.
VSAC News You Can Use and Share - Scholarship Information
Click on attachment to access links.