ECTC's Electricity program, taught by Johnny Lynch, is giving back to the community by assisting with the Emerald Coast Mud Run that will be held on April 26, 2025.
Students built one of the obstacles for the upcoming event, which is meant to raise money for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Each year, NCCER conducts a competition for students enrolled in any of their programs. Students are required to construct a sculpture using materials from the NCCER program in which they are enrolled. This marks the second consecutive year that ECTC has participated in the competition and has emerged victorious. The Electricity program, taught by Johnny Lynch, proved successful in the previous year with a win; however, our HVAC/R students , taught by Jeff Falivene, secured the victory this year with their sculpture. Eugene Hall receives congratulations for his innovative house design, which incorporates components from the HVAC/R program. The HVAC/R program and the individual student(s) who assisted in the design and creation of the sculpture will receive a monetary donation from NCCER.
April 15 is designated as Purple Up!, a day to demonstrate solidarity with military families and children. On this day, individuals are encouraged to wear purple in recognition and honor of the distinctive challenges that children in military families encounter, including the frequent relocations, the absence of a parent due to deployment, and other stresses associated with military life.
The color purple was selected to symbolize an integration of the colors of all military service branches. The act of wearing purple on April 15 is a visual expression of solidarity with military children, which recognizes their resilience and sacrifices.
It is a wonderful way of expressing gratitude to the families who provide support and serve alongside our military personnel. ECTC is honored to unite in support of our veterans and their families.
Now is the time to dual enroll at ECTC for FREE!! The deadline to apply is 4.10.25!
ECTC now has an official Instagram page! Be sure to follow us!
Now is the time to apply for ECTC's Practical Nursing and Patient Care Technician Programs! Deadline is May 15, 2025!
ECTC's health science programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning. You'll acquire real-world experience in clinical settings, which prepares you for the demands of the nursing profession. This practical experience is invaluable in developing the skills required to care for patients effectively. The healthcare industry is consistently in need of qualified nurses. By enrolling in these programs, you position yourself to enter a growing field with strong job prospects. The demand for healthcare workers is expected to continue to increase in the future years, making it a stable career choice.
Mr. Gary Price's Master Automotive Service Technology 1 and 2 programs met with Ford representatives this week!
Representatives from Ford met with students in Mr. Gary Price's Master Automotive Service Technology 1 and 2 programs this week at Emerald Coast Technical College.
Maxcine Witherspoon, a Technical Placement Specialist at Ford, where she collaborates with Marcus Hicks, put together a presentation to introduce students to what Ford has to offer them as an employer. Ms. Witherspoon engaged students in a conversation regarding the current high demand for auto technicians and the curriculum that Ford has established to educate students on the diverse options they have when collaborating with a dealership. Ford's Automotive Career Explorative (ACE) is a program that concentrates on the curriculum in the automotive industry and the various paths that a technician can pursue. Mr. Hicks underscored the significance of establishing connections with consumers and the fact that the automotive industry is in a state of perpetual evolution. Their objective is to connect prospective auto technicians with dealerships that sell Ford vehicles in their region. They were able to establish a connection between students at ECTC and Gary Smith Ford, which is located in Ft. Walton Beach.
Gary Smith Ford employees in Ft. Walton Beach discussed their experiences in the automotive industry. David Lanier, the Service Manager, emphasized to the students the significance of obtaining their certifications, as it will be one of the initial inquiries during the interview process. During the interview process, it is also crucial to pose specific questions to potential employers in order to make the best decision for their future employment, as another employee, Richard Ludwig, who has been in the business for many years, also shared. Cody Simmons, a technician at Gary Smith Ford, recounted his experiences as a technician who operates a mobile van. He also discussed the significance of utilizing time effectively and the substantial quantity of knowledge that can be acquired by collaborating with other seasoned technicians. Amanda Carroway provided an account of her career trajectory, which began at an auto parts store and has since evolved into various roles within the automotive industry. She reminded students that there are numerous alternative pathways available to students in the automotive industry, particularly for female technicians.
The students were able to inquire about the Ford vehicles that were brought for them to explore and tour one of the mobile vans. Several students have expressed a strong interest in employment opportunities with Ford, and some have already submitted applications. Mr. Gary Price was praised by ECTC students about the extensive knowledge they have acquired in the auto program. They are currently utilizing this knowledge to repair their personal vehicles along with those brought into the shop by WCSD employees and are enthusiastic about the prospect of pursuing a full-time career in the auto industry.
This week, ECTC held its annual Spring IAC (Institutional Advisory Committee) meeting. The school's mission statement, which is defined as "We prepare and empower today's students to meet the demands of an evolving and competitive workforce," was approved by stakeholders after they reviewed the school's strategic plan, which was also approved by everyone in attendance. The new construction at the main campus was discussed by Mr. Smithart, the director of ECTC, and how it will facilitate the forthcoming addition of an RN program, which is set to commence in January 2026. Lisa Jones furnished information regarding the enrollment, completion, and graduation rates of all programs during the preceding academic year. The high aggregate percentage of completions for ECTC programs was commended by Brandon Elkins, a representative of CareerSource Okaloosa Walton. The collaboration of CareerSource's WIOA Youth Program with ECTC's GATE program was suggested by Brooke Adam. Diana Gillis was able to compose a grant for the GATE program's commencement at ECTC, which was recently awarded earlier this month.
Employees from CHELCO and WCSD also participated in our meeting, and the school provided all stakeholders with a Chick-fil-A breakfast. ECTC is perpetually seeking to expand its committees by incorporating additional local businesses. If your organization is interested in participating on one of our committees, please contact Lisa Jones at ECTC. We value the input of community stakeholders in order to ensure that our students receive the highest quality education and are able to secure employment with our local businesses.
A great welding instructor combines technical expertise, teaching skills, and personal qualities that make them effective at both educating students and inspiring a passion for the craft. Walter Miller, known as Dobi to most at ECTC, is that type of welding instructor. His students not only absolutely adore him but he can get them to perform too! The students in his welding program are obtaining a high number of AWS welding certifications. Mr. Miller was recognized by AWS in a special ceremony over Spring Break. His pupils used their time off from school to show up and support their instructor during spring break. This is a testimony to the relationship he has with his pupils. Congratulations, Mr. Walter Miller, on receiving this prestigious award from the American Welding Society.
ECTC currently has 18 businesses that will be participating in our career fair, but we are seeking more to attend so that we can offer our students and members in our community a wide variety of job opportunities. If your business would like to participate, please reach out to Jesse Spaid at ECTC or scan the QR code below to register BEFORE noon on April 2nd.
Our career fair will provide direct access to a pool of potential candidates. Your company can meet many job seekers in a short amount of time and find individuals with the appropriate skills, qualifications, and cultural fit for your organization. Participating in our career fair enables your business to increase its visibility and promote its brand to a large audience. This is particularly beneficial for companies seeking to establish themselves as employers of choice or raise awareness of their organization. We hope that our career fair will help your company meet candidates who are most relevant to your hiring requirements and save time compared to traditional recruiting methods.
ECTC will be conducting their annual career fair next week on April 3rd from 1:00-3:00. We presently have 18 vendors signed up to be on our campus that day. The public is encouraged to attend!
A career fair gives you the opportunity to meet recruiters, hiring managers, and representatives from a variety of companies. You can make connections that might aid you in your job search down the road. It will allow you to gather information about various employers and industries. It’s an opportunity to learn about company cultures, work environments, and open positions that may not be widely advertised. You may hand out your resume directly to recruiters and get immediate feedback. This can also help you practice and enhance your communication skills. Many companies attend career fairs specifically to recruit candidates for open positions. If you’re actively searching for a job, it’s an efficient way to meet with multiple employers in one place.
Resumes aren't just for job applications. Whether you're networking at industry events or online, it can prove helpful. Having a well-written résumé helps express qualifications and accomplishments quickly. This helps identify assets and prepare for interview discussions.
This week, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton conducted meetings with numerous ECTC students to assist them in improving their resumes. ECTC will be hosting a career fair on the main campus on April 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00, and these students will be able to utilize their resumes when meeting with prospective employers.
There is ongoing expansion and development taking place at the Magnet Innovation Center-Watersound, which serves as the location of Emerald Coast Technical College's South campus. Applied Information Technology, Patient Care Technician, and Practical Nursing are the three programs that are currently available to students at the Watersound campus! Fill out an application now for enrollment in the fall of 2025 by going to www.ectc.edu.
We’re excited to announce that our nursing students have successfully completed their training on dermal punctures! 🎉👏
These essential skills are crucial for performing capillary blood draws and provide invaluable hands-on experience for our future healthcare professionals. Our students demonstrated their ability to safely and effectively perform this procedure, ensuring patient comfort and accuracy in blood sample collection.
A big thank you to our clinical sites for their guidance and support! Let's continue to encourage and celebrate our students as they advance in their nursing journey!
Our welding instructor, Mr. Miller, has been named Regional Instructor of the Year by the American Welding Society! Enroll now to be trained by the absolute best!
Call now to make an appointment with our cosmetology department.
We are open to the public!
Stop by and see what we have to offer—you won't be disappointed !
Ringing the bell is a powerful symbol of victory and hope—a moment when all the hardships of treatment and the pain of battling cancer culminate in triumph. It signifies more than just the end of treatment; it is a moment of celebration, resilience, and a new chapter of life. ECTC is celebrating today with our very own superhero, Dawn!
She is a reminder that while the road was long and often uncertain, strength, courage, and the unwavering hope of a better future prevailed. Every ring is a symbol of survival, not just of one person, but of the collective fight against cancer, and it serves as a beacon of hope for those who are still fighting.
We love and support you, Dawn, today and every day, and truly admire your strength and courage.
Apply Now for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Pathways Academy is ECTC's Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program for students with an intellectual disability or cognitive disability that may make it difficult for them to be successful in a traditional CTE program.
If you or someone you know would like more information, please go to our website at www.ectc.edu.
ECTC's Patient Care Technician students recently received their CNA licenses and passed their national Phlebotomy Certification exam! Congratulations!
The Patient Care Technician students at our Watersound campus have recently enhanced their qualifications by obtaining an additional certification. They are now certified in Phlebotomy, making them job-ready in two health science disciplines.
