PirateQ 
As Career and Technical Education CTE) Month draws to a close, Pensacola State College’s CTE team continues to provide informative and entertaining events to support students and the community.
Deborah Hooks, Director of Career and Technical Education Student Resources (CTE), expressed her excitement about the success of this year’s events.
“Continuing to provide informative opportunities for CTE students is crucial as it equips them with valuable skills, knowledge and experience, leading to increased job opportunities and better preparing students for college and high-demand careers. Having entertaining opportunities for our students also allows students to engage with other CTE students and CTE staff to learn about resources available to them that they may be unaware of.”
The second half of CTE Month kicked off with a partnership with United Way at the Homecoming basketball games on Feb. 12. The tabling event attracted a steady stream of visitors, and Hooks was thrilled with the level of interest in CTE services.
The CTE team welcomed students, faculty, and staff to a festive Mardi Gras-themed Open House Feb. 14, where attendees enjoyed cookie decorating kits, light refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with CTE staff. Team members were on hand to share valuable information about available resources while mingling with guests in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
For students preparing to enter the workforce or attend professional meetings, the Dress for Success event on Feb. 17 at the Delaino Student Center offered valuable insights on professional attire. Chela Smith, CTE Coordinator, partnered with Veronica Jennings, Pirates CARE Resource Center to provide expert advice, professional clothing, light refreshments and raffle tickets for gas and restaurant gift cards.
“We had a great turnout, with 75-80 students coming out to get advice on the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of professional attire,” Smith said. “The Pirates CARE team rolled out racks of clothing for students to browse, and the Clothing Closet stayed open until 3 p.m. to accommodate those who couldn’t attend the presentation. It was wonderful!”
Using PowerPoint slides, Smith discussed appropriate dress for various professional settings, emphasizing the importance of dressing for the job students want, not just the one they have. Cosmetic Arts students modeled the “Do’s and Don’ts” during the discussion, and plans are already underway to incorporate hair and makeup tips into next year’s event.
Veronica Jennings, Pirates CARE Director of Wellness Services, emphasized the importance of professional confidence. “When you aren’t confident in how you present, it can translate into how you interact with others or how you feel going into job interviews and other important meetings.”
The Pirates CARE Clothing Closet, available on both the Pensacola and Warrington campuses, allows students to take up to six clothing items at a time to help them confidently dress for success. Students can learn more by contacting piratescare@pensacolastate.edu.
CTE also partnered with Hartman Photography to offer complimentary professional headshots on Feb. 19 at The Third Floor in the BEAR JONES MOORE REEVES Center for Math and Advanced Technology. Chandler White, Coordinator of Student Engagement, treated the 40 participating students to iced and hot coffee from The Drowsy Poet, making the event even more enjoyable.
Hooks was thrilled with the response, noting that nearly all the time slots were filled. She plans to offer this service earlier next year to accommodate Homecoming Court attendants before Coronation.
On Feb. 25, CTE’s John Solet partnered with TRiO staff members Robin Giacin, Liz Mimms and Wanda Wood for a Job Fair and college-ready event at the Century Campus, providing valuable career and academic resources for students and community members.
To wrap up CTE Month on a festive note, the team will host the much-anticipated “Beads & Burgers” event on Feb. 27. Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by the gazebo outside of Delaino Student Center on the Pensacola Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to grab Mardi Gras beads and enjoy burgers prepared by TRiO team.
“Quite honestly, this is my favorite event,” admitted Hooks. It’s just a fun way to celebrate the end of another successful CTE Month at Pensacola State.”