For
some high school students, college isn’t the best path to take. In today’s
society, there’s often a stigma around that mindset. The New Castle Career
Center (NCCC) offers opportunities for college-bound students and those who are
looking at alternatives to a traditional four-year degree. By offering programs
to help students enter the workforce immediately after graduation, these
students are able to jumpstart their careers.
Cayla
Johnson, 2017 Cosmetology program graduate, knew from a young age she was meant
to be a professional hairstylist. By participating in the NCCC’s cosmetology
program, she was able to receive her cosmetology license prior to graduating
high school and begin her career immediately.
“Knowing
I could start my career right after graduating high school was what initially
caught my attention to apply to the Career Center,” Johnson explained. “The
program not only aided in my education, but also helped me make connections to
further my career in not only the industry but the community as well.”
After
working at a few hair salons, Johnson knew she was ready to be her own boss. In
May 2019, she opened her own hair salon, Wild Roots Salon located on State Road
3 in New Castle. While most of her peers from high school are still finishing
their college education, Johnson is successfully running her own business
thanks to the New Castle Career Center.
Ashton
Durick, 2018 Culinary Arts program graduate, is no stranger to a cake mixer and
good brownie recipe. She loved baking and wanted to further her knowledge of
the skill, so the Culinary Arts program was an ideal place for her to
officially start her culinary career.
“I
gained so much knowledge on the culinary field from participating in the career
program,” Durick noted. “It helped me get dual credits and learn more about the
business side of culinary.”
Though
she didn’t have to, Durick chose to further her education at Sullivan
University, where she studied pastries and specialized wedding cakes. The
continued education worked in her favor, as it helped her open her own
specialty wedding cake bakery, Doodlebugs Bakery.
“If
there is anyone hesitant or nervous about looking into the career programs,
just know you will learn so much from the hands-on aspect,” Johnson added.
For more information on
the cosmetology program, culinary arts program or the 15 other programs the New
Castle Career Center has to offer, visit nccareercenter.org