

CETC Newsletter
October 28th, 2024

Message from the Principal
Happy October, CETC Families!
We’re halfway through the first semester and couldn’t be prouder of the incredible work happening on our campus. Students have been actively engaged in their career and technical education pathways, gaining hands-on experience and exploring exciting career opportunities. Many have already begun earning certifications, participating in clinicals, going on field trips, and attending leadership meetings.
Additionally, our evening student project teams are also hard at work in several programs, and we’re excited to kick off year two of our after-school Mock Trial team.
CETC is a busy, vibrant campus, and we are grateful for our wonderful teachers, students, and the continued support from our parents and industry partners.
Sincerely,
ToniJo Niccoli
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next Week:
- Tuesday, 10/29: FFA Officers Meeting, Mock Trial Team, Interactive Media & Manufacturing/Welding Evening Project Teams
- Wednesday, 10/30: Burlington Elementary Visit with Agriscience Program
- Thursday, 10/31: Guest Speaker for Pre-law, Interactive Media & Manufacturing/Welding Evening Project Teams, Happy Halloween!
- Friday, 11/1: ProStart Program Kiwanis Catering Event
Upcoming:
- Wednesday, 11/6: Late Start, No CETC Classes
- Thursday, 11/7: Manufacturing Parent Night
- Wednesday, 12/4: CETC Open House
Save the Date
Manufacturing Parent Night
On Thursday, November 7th, in partnership with St. Vrain Valley Schools, the Boulder Area Manufacturing Sector Partnership will host their annual Manufacturing Parent Night. During this event, students and parents will have the chance to connect with manufacturers from the region and explore what modern manufacturing looks like, along with the exciting career opportunities available right in their community.. Please look for the registration link that will go out via email.
Student Spotlight
Finn Klopson
CETC is excited to celebrate one of our outstanding seniors, Finn Klopson, who is making strides in the Welding program at the Career Elevation and Technology Center. Currently enrolled in both Welding II and the Capstone class, Finn embodies the spirit of dedication and hard work that we value at CETC. His dedication to welding shows through his work on the Welding Project Team, where he collaborates on real-world projects, sharpening his skills for a successful industry career.
As Finn looks to the future, he is optimistic about his potential career in welding. With his strong work ethic, creativity, and passion for the craft, there is no doubt that he is well on his way to achieving his goals!
Partner Spotlight
DeWalt
We are excited to feature DeWalt in our Partner Spotlight. As a leader in the power tools and equipment industry, DeWalt recently made a generous donation of tools to our center. This contribution reflects their strong commitment to education and workforce development. The high-quality tools are already enhancing our students' hands-on learning experiences, helping to build their skills for immediate success and supporting the long-term growth of the trades industry.
We extend our gratitude to DeWalt for their generosity. Their support highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders in building a brighter future for our students and the communities they will serve.
Program Spotlight
Welding & Fabrication Technology
The Welding & Fabrication Technology program, encompassing Welding I, II, & III, provides students with a comprehensive opportunity to master various welding techniques while receiving essential safety instruction. This preparation equips students for successful careers in the welding shop, construction industry, and even practical applications in everyday life. Throughout the program, students will gain hands-on experience with a range of welding processes, including Oxy-Acetylene and plasma torch cutting, as well as, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW welding techniques. By fostering both technical skills and safety awareness, this program not only prepares students for immediate employment but also instills a strong foundation for lifelong learning and advancement in the field of welding and fabrication technology.
RIley Dufour, Nate Williams, and Henry Topham
What do you like most about working at CETC?
Mr. Dufour: What I love most about CETC is the diversity of our students. We serve eleven different high schools, bringing together a diverse group of students with various interests—whether it's motocross, choir, or weightlifting.
Mr. Williams: I enjoy working with the younger generation and introducing them to a career path that is in high demand and rewarding. I am passionate about the trades and the need to close the skills gap. CETC affords me the opportunity to train students to move into the welding industry to fill the positions of those that are leaving the field.
Mr. Topham: That we can teach high school students skills that can be applied to a career or just everyday life. In their first year of welding they are introduced to four different welding processes, two cutting processes, and how to weld in multiple positions. This prepares the students for today's workforce and what they can expect if they were to pursue welding as a career.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
Mr. Dufour: Outside of school, I'm passionate about officiating NCAA and NJCAA basketball. It's taken me to amazing places, from South Carolina to Kansas City and Oklahoma.
Mr. Williams: I enjoy traveling and spending time with family exploring and seeing new things. I play quite a bit of golf in the summer times and like to go watch Major League Baseball.
Mr. Topham: I like skateboarding at local skateparks and driving my truck on trails in the mountains.
Event Highlights
First year FFA members attended the FFA Big Conference.
Manufacturing students attended manufacturing day.
FFA Members held their annual pumpkin painting event and then delivered the pumpkins to the local senior center.
Welding/Ag students attended ConCon.
ProStart students enjoyed an informative visit to Ollin Farms.
FFA Members participated in the Colorado Proud School Meal Day.
FFA Members attended the Fall Leadership Conference
Top of the Rockies Corvette Association stopped by the Automotive Program.
Greenhouse classes visited Jack's Solar Garden.
We want to celebrate and highlight our students' achievements beyond CETC! If you have a student success story you'd like to share, please email us at CETC, and we’ll feature them in our next newsletter.
Work Based Learning Opportunities
Explore the Work-Based Learning & Job Opportunities available through the CETC website:
CETC Work Based Learning Opportunities
From internships and apprenticeships to job shadowing and industry partnerships, there are numerous valuable opportunities waiting for you.