CTE Success Story: Bergen Tech Cosmetology Graduate Gains Head Start Through Early Industry Experience

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 10, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Employer Engagement, Featured News, Schools

Because of the hands-on training and real-world experiences he received during his education in Bergen County Technical School District’s Cosmetology program, Avelino Cachez, Class of 2020, was able to enter the cosmetology field while still in high school, giving him...

CTE Success Story From The Classroom To The Castle: Cumberland County Technical Education Center Culinary Arts Alumnus Creates Magical, Show-Stopping Dessert Debuted At Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 9, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Featured News, Schools, Student Achievements

Ismael Torres’ talent, creativity and dedication have made a national impact on the culinary world. A 2022 graduate of the Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC)’s Culinary Arts program, Torres serves as a pastry cook at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside...

CTE Success Story: Burlington County Institute of Technology Law And Public Safety Graduate Launches From The Classroom To The Courtroom As An Attorney

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 6, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Featured News, Schools

Nakea Barksdale, a Burlington Township native, is an accomplished civil defense attorney at the Baltimore-based law firm of Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman, & Dicker LLP. She credits the jumpstart she got on her legal career as a Law and Public Safety student at...

CTE Success Story: Mercer County Technical Schools Graduate Enjoys Successful Culinary Career As Head Chef At Popular Pub

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 5, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Featured News, Schools

For more than 25 years, Anthony Nieves has been delighting the taste buds of many restaurant goers with his creative and flavorful dishes. As head chef at Killarney’s Publick House in Hamilton, Nieves prepares pub foods such as hearty soups, big handheld sandwiches...

CTE Success Story: Broadcasting Graduate Returns To The Classroom To Inspire The Next Generation Of Media Professionals at Warren County Technical School

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 4, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Employer Engagement, Featured News, Schools

Matthew Spolarich, an Oxford native, discovered his passion for broadcasting through the TV, Radio and Digital Media program at Warren County Technical School. What began as hands-on exposure to production equipment and collaborative media work in high school...

CTE Success Story: Hudson County Schools of Technology Graduate Advances from Medical Science Student to Vascular Surgery Physician Assistant

by Allyson Roberts | Feb 3, 2026 | Career and Technical Education, Career Programs, Featured News, Schools, Student Achievements

Dalia Eldeeb, a Bayonne native, began her journey towards a career in medicine at the Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST), where she enrolled in the Medical and Clinical Assistant program at County Prep High School. Through early exposure to rigorous coursework...