CTC Career Talk

We hope that our CTC students, staff, parents and community members have a wonderful holiday season. It is the perfect time to relax, recharge and spend time with family and friends.

As the end of the 1st semester is near (January 15), it is important for our students to finish strong academically by maintaining focus, perseverance, and commitment to their goals, even as challenges and fatigue set in. It is a reminder that the effort students put in now will have a lasting impact on their academic success and personal growth. Staying disciplined, managing time wisely, and giving maximum effort will help students finish on a high note and set the stage for future achievements.

As we continue to work hard during term 2, we remind parents to help ensure academic success by staying aware of their child’s assignments and grades---via Schoology.

Sincerely,

Michael Concepcion - Principal

The 2024-25 CTC Scholarship online application is NOW available!

Scholarships are open to all CTC Seniors who have previously completed their CTC program

OR are currently attending CTC.

Multiple scholarships are available!

Final Deadline to Apply: Thursday, February 14th at 2:00 p.m.

So don't delay, fill out the online application today!

Click here for the scholarship application:

https://pubforms.fcps.org/view.php?id=142367

OR go to our website:

https://edu.fcps.org/ctc/

Students from the CAD Architecture, CAD Engineering, and Digital Design and Printing programs supported FCC's HCTI program in the creation of the gingerbread display for the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC. The display will be in the lobby of the Willard Hotel through December 26th, and features 15 buildings and statues located around the Washington, DC Mall.

The following students listed below were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at a ceremony held at Frederick Community College on Friday, December 13th, 2024:

CTC students recently competed in career-related SkillsUSA local competitions that challenged students to put into action technical skills learned in their program. Students were celebrated with an awards ceremony on December 10th at the JBK Theater at Frederick Community College where the top 5 finishers in each competition were revealed. In most instances, the top 3 finishers in each contest are eligible to move on to the SkillsUSA Regional competition and possibly beyond where they compete with other technical students from around the state. Congratulations to all the winners on this tremendous accomplishment!

Identify your stressful situations

• Have a plan for coping with scenarios that leave you emotionally drained.

• Make sure you are still getting plenty of rest - find time to clear your mind, slow your breathing, and restore inner calm.

• Chances are you are not alone in how you feel. Reach out for support if needed.

• Focus on creating meaningful moments rather than flawless ones.

• Spending time doing things you enjoy can be beneficial to your wellbeing and help you destress.

• The holidays can be hectic which increases anxiety. Maintaining routines as much as possible helps give some structure to what sometimes feels chaotic.

• For some of us the holidays can be isolating - be sure to intentionally find ways to connect with others. Reach out to family and friends, use your free time to volunteer, etc.

• Try to take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Focusing on gratitude can shift your perspective. Research suggests that people who practice gratitude tend to feel happier and more fulfilled.

Need help? Contact 211MD! Call, text, or email for information, connections and advocacy with local and state agencies.

This past month, some CTC programs had the opportunity to participate in resume-building workshops designed to help them prepare for internships or their future careers. The sessions focused on creating professional, eye-catching resumes that highlight skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that stands out to employers. During the sessions, students learned how to structure their resumes, choose strong action verbs to describe their accomplishments, and tailor their resumes to align with specific job opportunities. They also learned tips on formatting, avoiding common mistakes, and showcasing unique strengths from their CTC program experiences.

Focus on simple, practical ways to create a resume that stands out. Some tips for starting your resume:

• Keep your resume clear and easy to read—stick to a simple layout.
• Use strong action verbs like “organized,” “created,” or “managed” to describe your accomplishments.
• Don’t forget to highlight experiences from your CTC program, like hands-on projects or certifications, as these are very valuable to employers.
• Only include skills and experiences you’re confident in and can back up. It’s better to focus on what you’re truly good at than to overstate and risk being unprepared in an interview.
• Proofread carefully to avoid small mistakes that could make a big difference.

Building a strong resume isn’t just about listing your experiences—it’s about telling your story and showing your potential to employers on what you can bring to the table. If you’re working on your resume, start with these tips, and don’t hesitate to ask for help! I will always make myself available!

Feel free to come see me (my office is in the CTC media center next to the copy room), message me in Schoology, or email me at brenna.edmonds@fcps.org.

The Frederick County Career and Technology Center (CTC) is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) school. Our programs and classes combine academic knowledge with technical skills to prepare students for in-demand and high-skilled jobs. CTC provides students with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and licenses, acquire college credit, and gain valuable work experience. CTC is one of many treasures in Frederick County. It is not only a place of great education and opportunities but also a place of camaraderie and nostalgia.

Want to know more about CTC? Click the links below.

CTC Programs

FAQ's about CTC

What is shadowing?

How do I apply to CTC?

Dual Enrollment Information Sheet

Address: 7922 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702

Phone: 227-203-3650

Fax: 227-203-3651

Website: http://education.fcps.org/ctc

Facebook: Frederick County Career & Tech Center

X (formerly Twitter): @FrederickCTC, @CTCPrincipal

Instagram: @fcps_ctc, @ctc_principal