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