Explore career education and training opportunities with Jim Bologa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute.
Porter and Chester Institute/YTI Career Institute
On this edition of Inside Career Technical Education, host Ann Baldwin speaks with Paul Peterson, graduate of Porter and Chester Institute's Electronics Program and Senior Director of Operations at Jones Lang LaSalle in Connecticut. Paul walks us through his successful journey of postsecondary education which began right out of high school. Paul talks about why he was drawn to Porter and Chester's “hands-on” Electronics Technology Program, and why it is the perfect time for people to consider a career in the skilled trades including Electrical, HVAC, Security, and Telecom. For more information on what Porter and Chester has to offer, check out www.porterchester.edu.
On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" host Ann Baldwin is joined by Matt Codrington, a graduate of Porter and Chester Institute's Dental Assisting program. After spending time in the field as a dental assistant, Matt began instructing in the program at our Chicopee campus, where he quickly found a passion for helping new students achieve their goals.
In this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, host Ann Baldwin is joined by YTI Career Institute Dental Assisting program director Lisa Brown. Following 15+ years in her career as a Dental Assistant and Expanded Function Dental Assistant, Lisa began instructing in the Dental Assisting program at YTI. We highlight the importance of the Dental Assistant in the dental office and how the flexible, real-world training at YTI prepares graduates for their new careers!
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education", co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa welcome Cedric Saysay to the podcast! Cedric took the leap from the finance industry to training in Computer Aided and Drafting Design. After years working in the field, Cedric returned to Porter and Chester Institute to help new students pursue their passions! Learn more about career training at PCI at PorterChester.edu.
On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, YTI Career Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa and co-host Ann Baldwin are joined by U.S. Navy veteran Eric Blacker to discuss his path as an adult learner to a career in electronics. Eric followed the hybrid learning in our Electronics Engineering Technology program with a real-world, hands-on externship, and now enjoys a full-time, 9 to 5 job in his new career!
On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, hosts Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, President and CEO of YTI Career Institute, are joined by Adam Faight, Director of Learning and Design at YTI Career Institute, to introduce our new Cybersecurity program. Adam covers all the details of the curriculum and highlights opportunities for employment in this career.
On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, hosts Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, President and CEO of Porter and Chester Institute, visit with Dyquan McCray, a 2022 Graduate of the HVACR program at Porter and Chester Institute. Dyquan began his post-high school journey at a community college and working at restaurants before finding his niche in the hands-on trade of HVACR. Dyquan started without any experience with tools and mechanics, but quickly found a career path he is excited about. Continued success Dyquan!
2023 is the perfect time to learn something new! On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, hosts Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, President and CEO of Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute, offer their view of career training in 2023. Now is the time to set your education goals for the new year! Visit PorterChester.edu to learn more about our program offerings.
On this episode of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa announce the launch of PCI's Welding program at our New London, CT campus. Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor Peter Barber highlights the experience he brings to the program, the program's curriculum, and how students can progress through a variety of welding specialties. We also talk about the shift to an interest in skilled trades and welding careers and the opportunities for professional welders!
On this episode of our Inside Career and Technical Education podcast, hosts Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa are joined by Brandon Tharp. Brandon is a graduate of our HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) program and has been working in the field for the past seven years with the employer who first hired him after graduating at YTI! After high school, Brandon found that college isn't for everyone, and YTI's hands-on training provided a pathway to employment in a career he enjoys. Continued success Brandon!To learn more about the HVACR program at YTI Career Institute, visit https://yti.edu/programs/hvacr.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education'', hosts Jim Bologa and Ann Baldwin speak with Faith Smith, a graduate of the Veterinary Technician program at YTI Career Institute. While the program and life circumstances challenged Faith, she shares just how rewarding it is to be in this field. There is certainly plenty of room for career growth in this field and Faith is an example of that. Listen to Faith's journey and how the program's hands-on experience has prepared her for an exciting career. Visit www.yti.edu for more information on the Veterinary Technician Program at YTI.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education," hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa speak with Steven Rothberg, founder of College Recruiter, a job search website serving students and recent graduates with 0-3 years of experience. Steven gives great insight into the need for new employment candidates in healthcare and skilled trades and offers tips for standing out in the job search market! Check out CollegeRecruiter.com for info.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education," hosts Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa speak with 23-year-old John Amos, a graduate of the Computer Systems Specialist Program at YTI's York campus. John shares how through career training and hard work, he quickly found a career in the IT field following high school. As a Systems Administrator, John oversees support systems across school districts in 3 south-central Pennsylvania counties. To learn more about computer training at YTI, visit www.yti.edu.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Training" hosts Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa visit with Army combat veteran Brandon Wiley, a graduate of both of our Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management and Pastry Arts programs! Brandon's well-rounded culinary training prepared him for an opportunity as Sous Chef at Wellspan's Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital. Brandon's background then led him to a rewarding opportunity as a corrections officer where his role includes kitchen supervisor. His journey has brought him back to YTI Career Institute where he is currently an adjunct chef at YTI Career Institute. Brandon's story provides great insight into culinary arts training at YTI and is a testament to perseverance!
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', co-hosts Jim Bologa and Ann Baldwin speak with Lisa Coe, BSN, RN, a Practical Nursing Instructor at Porter and Chester Institute. After spending time working different positions in the field of nursing, Lisa decided it was time for a life altering career change that did not require her to work 22 hour shifts. Lisa is now a clinical instructor at Autumn Lake Cromwell, a skilled nursing facility and works hands on with Porter and Chester nursing students. For more information on the Practical Nursing Program or how to become a clinical instructor, visit www.porterchester.edu.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education" co-hosts Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa visit with Jesus Clarke, graduate of our Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management program. Having turned an early passion for cooking into a career in the culinary arts, Jesus is thriving as business owner of Big Zues Barbecue in Binghamton, NY. Listen to Jesus' story and encouraging words for prospective culinary and college students!For more information on our Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management program, visit https://yti.edu/paschoolofculinaryarts. Also check out Big Zues Barbecue online at https://bigzuesbarbecue.com/.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education," Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin chat with Michael Hunter, New England Services Territory Manager at NCR. Michael discusses NCR's partnership with Porter and Chester Institute, highlights technicians' progression in the company, and stresses the importance of continuing education at NCR. Learn more about our Computer and Network Technology program at https://porterchester.edu/career-programs/computer-and-network-technology
There are many viable options for post-secondary education. On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', host Jim Bologa and co-host Ann Baldwin speak with Alyssa Weise, a graduate from the Respiratory Therapy program at YTI Career Institute and now online instructor in RT. Alyssa enrolled at YTI right out of high school in search of a career in healthcare outside of nursing. Listen as she details what the Respiratory Therapy program entails and how it prepares students for the field in a blended learning experience. Visit www.yti.edu/programs/respiratory-therapy for more information.
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', host Jim Bologa and co-host Ann Baldwin speak with Tom Marr, 53 year-old Gettysburg resident currently enrolled in the HVACR program at YTI's York campus. Tom is a Mike Rowe Works Scholarship award recipient and shares details on what it took to be in contention for that award as he began attending YTI. Tom also describes his experience in the HVACR program so far as well as what he would like to do upon graduation next January. For more information on the HVACR program, visit www.yti.edu/programs/hvacr.
In this episode of our Inside Career Technical Education podcast, hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa visit with Scott Zimmerman, Area Manager of Firestone Complete Auto Care. We discuss Firestone's partnership with Porter and Chester and the value of our Automotive Technology graduates! Scott talks about the thriving and increasingly complex automotive repair industry and the demand for qualified technicians.Visit our website at PorterChester.edu to learn more about our Automotive Technology program.
Bucky Chambers, Manager of Hempfield Animal Hospital in Lancaster, PA joins hosts Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa to discuss the clinic's operations and room for growth in the field. Bucky shares his family's vast experiences in the industry! We also cover YTI's Veterinary Technician program and how externships provide hands-on training in a real-world environment. Learn more at yti.edu.
There is a dire need for healthcare workers ever since the pandemic began. On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', host Ann Baldwin speaks with Holly Breault, Director of Nursing at Porter and Chester Institute, about what it is that makes pursuing a career in healthcare achievable. Join us as Holly explains what the Practical Nursing program entails as well as the Partnership Program that benefits both the employers and the students. To learn more about the Practical Nursing program or to become a Partner of the program, visit www.porterchester.edu.
On this episode of our Inside Career Technical Education podcast, co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa visit with Harry Boardsen, General Manager at Bridgeport Boatworks, Connecticut's newest Yacht Yard. We highlight the role of skilled trades workers in the welding, electrical and plumbing fields and career opportunities at Bridgeport Boatworks. Learn more about our Welding program and scholarship opportunities for those interested in the maritime industry at https://porterchester.edu/career-programs/welding.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education", co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa welcome Glenn Hartland to the podcast to discuss revamped Automotive Technology program curriculum that now includes hybrid and electric vehicle technology.Glenn, PCI's Worcester Campus Director of Operations and Education and Automotive Technology Curriculum Coordinator, highlights how our Automotive Technology curriculum reflects industry demand and explains how our students are becoming more proficient in understanding computer-based technology and interpreting diagnostics.Learn more about the Automotive Technology program at our Worcester campus at https://porterchester.edu/career-programs/automotive-technology-program-hybrid-electric
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa speak with Lisa Roth, the Site Director for Wheeler Health and Wellness in New Britain. Lisa shares with us the crucial necessity for Medical Assistants in the field, as well as what employers are looking for in those prospective Medical Assistants. We also hear the story of PCI graduate Emily Juchniewicz, a Medical Assistant and an example of how flexibility and hard work helped her secure her dream job. To find out more about our Medical Assisting program, or any of our programs go to www.porterchester.edu.
Seeing a commercial for YTI Career Institute was all that it took to change her life. On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education'', co-hosts Jim Bologa and Ann Baldwin chat with Tracy Wilson, a recent YTI graduate and instrumentation technician in the flight test program at Boeing working on F-18 fighter jets. She shares her story on how she went from a single mother working several jobs to a YTI student in the Electronics Engineering Technology program. With some help from the MikeRoweWORKS Foundation, Tracy was able to pursue her education in the skilled trades and utilize her skills in a career that she loves. For more information on the Trades and Technical programs offered by YTI, visit www.yti.edu.
In this episode of "Inside Career Technical Training" co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO welcome Vice President of Career Services Chris Shepley to discuss how our Career Services team helps students and graduates. Chris highlights the two key components of the team: interfacing with current students to meet their needs; and working with employers to ensure graduates are prepared to enter the workforce.
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education”, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin chat with Kate Sciore, Vice President of Operations at the Neurology Center of New England. Kate discusses work that is done at the Neurology Center as well as the corporate partnership that has been created with PCI. As a corporate partner, our Medical Assisting students have the opportunity to participate in an externship at the Neurology Center and some are offered positions in this growing health care practice.Kate is also on the Advisory Board for PCI, which provides her the opportunity to have value input into the Medical Assisting program that is taught at PCI, to make sure that what students are learning can be applied to the variety of positions that are available in the growing health care profession.Learn more about our Corporate Partnerships at https://porterchester.edu/about-pci/partnerships
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education," host Ann Baldwin speaks with Karen Juchniewicz. Karen has spent her career in health care and shares with our viewers why the Medical Assisting program at Porter and Chester Institute was a great option for her daughter.She addresses the thought process that went into the decision for her daughter to attend Porter and Chester Institute, as opposed to a four-year college. Ann and Karen dive into the thoughts and feelings from a parental perspective on the education that her daughter received and how it has led to a promising career at Wheeler Clinic.Learn more about our Medical Assisting program at https://porterchester.edu/career-programs/medical-assisting
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education”, host, Ann Baldwin, has a conversation with Emily Juchniewicz, a recent PCI graduate in Medical Assisting. Emily talks about the flexibility that this blended learning program offered her as a single mother. With classes online and in person “hands on” training, this was a perfect fit! Right out of Porter and Chester Institute, Emily was offered a position with Wheeler Clinic. She talks about her decision to attend PCI and how her dream of having a career in the growing field of health care has come true.
On this episode of our “Inside Career Technical Education” podcast, YTI Career Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin talk with Tom Ferrell, Electronics Engineering Technology Program Director at YTI's York Campus. We discuss how students apply theory learned online to their hands-on training in our industry-modeled labs. We also highlight the many career paths for graduates of the Electronics Engineering Technology program!Learn more about the Electronics Engineering Technology program at https://yti.edu/programs/electronics-engineering-technology
On this episode of "Inside Technical Career Education" co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester President and CEO Jim Bologa welcome Dr. Herron Gaston, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport Connecticut, to the podcast to discuss the impact of technical education in his local community. We thank Dr. Gaston for his insight into Black History Month and continued support of career training in Bridgeport, CT!
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education”, Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa and co-host Ann Baldwin talk with YTI Career Institute graduate Tom Hogue. Tom is CEO and founder of many companies and credits much of his success to his time spent at YTI and the career training path. Listen to find out about Tom's journey to success. Learn more about YTI's career training at yti.edu!
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education”, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin chat with Jean Bleecher, the Practice Manager at Penn State Health in Columbia Pennsylvania.Find out why many of Jean's employees are graduates from YTI Career Institute's Medical Assisting Program. COVID has forced all of us to adapt and innovate in educational programs and curriculum alike. YTI's combination of online learning as well as hands on learning with the externship program sets up medical assisting students at YTI for success in the workforce. Tune in to learn how the Medical Assisting Program at YTI has brought quality candidates to the Penn State Health system and how you too could be on your way to a career in healthcare.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education”, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa is joined by guest co-host, Andy Cerrone, Director of Employer Partnerships at Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute. Jim and Andy talk about new Continuing Education opportunities offered at PCI and YTI and about the value of furthering your education through Continuing Ed! Learn about our Continuing Education course offerings at https://ce.porterchester.edu.
On this edition of "Inside Career Technical Education," Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin talk about how students are pursuing their education through a flexible, hybrid environment. With lecture online and labs on-campus, a hybrid education offers day of time flexibility for students to continue to acquire the technical skills needed to become valued employees in today's competitive workforce. To learn more about our programs and upcoming start dates, those in CT and MA can visit PorterChester.edu and those in PA can visit YTI.edu!
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education'' podcast, Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, Porter and Chester President and CEO, are joined in the studio by Sheena Riccio, Program Coordinator of Dental Assisting at Porter and Chester's Rocky Hill campus.Sheena has been with PCI for more than 12-years and her enthusiasm for the Dental Assisting program is amazing! With her students coming to campus for the hands-on labs, they also get their instruction on-line in an asynchronous (on demand) format. She says this is giving many of her students the flexibility they need to have jobs or take care of children, and at the same time work towards a career.Part of the Dental Assisting program also consists of externships, where students are actually able to observe and apply their knowledge in a real dental office. While sanitation and safety have always been at the top of the list for this program, with COVID, she is finding that the dental industry is probably safer now than ever and the career opportunities are there.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education” podcast, Ann Baldwin and YTI Career Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa speak with Michael Warren, Practice Manager of Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in York, PA.Mike talks about Shiloh's long history of working with YTI Career Institute and their Veterinary Technician program. YTI students have completed externships at Shiloh and several YTI graduates are employed there now. Mike talks about the fact that they treat everything from snakes to horses and discusses the many career options available to today's veterinary technicians.Mike sits on the YTI advisory board, which offers real insider professional knowledge to the programs that YTI offers its students. Hear more about how exciting this career path can be and what it takes to work in this career!
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education” podcast, Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, Porter and Chester President and CEO, speak with Meri Torres, Dental Assisting Instructor at PCI's Bridgeport campus. Christmas came early for Meri Torres and her students in the Dental Assisting Program at the Bridgeport, CT campus. All new industry modeled equipment has been installed for the lab portion of student learning.Meri talks about how her students are not only so excited to have these new learning tools, they are also embracing the flexibility that their blended learning program offers with both online and in-person classes. Part of the curriculum is an externship, where students apply their learning in an actual dentist office.As a Certified Dental Assistant and a long-time instructor of the program, Meri discusses the many career paths that her students pursue upon graduation from the program and how many of her students go on to continuing education to further their careers.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education'' podcast, Ann Baldwin and Jim Bologa, YTI Career Institute President and CEO, speak with Chef Jessie Tuno, Program Director of the Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts and Restaurant Management Program at the YTI Lancaster Pennsylvania Campus. Chef Tuno is also a YTI graduate.Chef Tuno talks about how the entire Hospitality Industry has had to make a major shift due to COVID, and how that shift is leading to even more opportunities in the culinary world. Whether it is working in the back of the house or in the front of the house, we talk about all of the exciting career paths that are open to her graduates and shares some great success stories of where some of her students are today. Whether they are learning in their industry modeled commercial kitchens or online, Chef Tuno talks about the flexibility that this program offers.
On this episode of “Inside Career Technical Education” podcast co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa speak with Bill Walker, Manager of Wood Products Division at National Lumber.National Lumber is based in Mansfield, Massachusetts and they focus on both residential and commercial design. A huge piece of what they do begins with CADD (Computer Aided Drafting & Design). Currently, two graduates of Porter and Chester Institute are employed at National Lumber. Bill talks about the huge need for CADD in his industry and the vital role that it plays in the building and estimating process. Bill is also a member of the PCI Advisory Board, bringing his insider knowledge of the industry to the programs that PCI offers its students. If you are looking for flexibility in learning a skilled trade that is in huge demand, you won't want to miss this podcast!
On this edition of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, YTI Career Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin introduce our new Health Information Management program. Offered at YTI Career Institute, this 100% online program focuses on the critical elements of the Health Information Management career. Our flexible training offers students the opportunity to fit their education around their life schedule. Check out yti.edu to learn more.
On this edition of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin highlight our campus location in Bridgeport, CT. This new space is designed to provide a flexible, adaptable and collaborative training environment for our students! Visit PorterChester.edu to learn more about the programs offered in Bridgeport and all of our campuses and check out our Bridgeport campus tour at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx2CY3osmxU.
On this edition of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin visit with guest Dan Cavalli, Service Manager at Hoffman Nissan in West Simsbury. They discuss the changes in the Automotive Technology industry and the skills employers are looking for. Visit PorterChester.edu to learn more about the Automotive Technology program at Porter and Chester Institute.
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education,” our Respiratory Therapy Program Director Carl Kenyon joins Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa to discuss the Respiratory Therapy career and our training model. Carl highlights various pieces of equipment found in the profession. The Respiratory Therapy program is offered through YTI-Altoona in a Blended Learning format, with instruction occurring online, and clinical rotations occurring at approved clinical sites. To learn more about our Respiratory Therapy program and check upcoming start dates, visit YTI.edu!
On this edition of “Inside Career Technical Education,” Porter and Chester Institute and YTI Career Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin talk about how embracing blended learning has benefitted our students. From on-line learning to hands-on learning, our blended learning model continues to prepare students for today's jobs! To learn more about our programs and upcoming start dates, those in CT and MA can visit PorterChester.edu and those in PA can visit YTI.edu!
On this edition of "Inside Career Technical Education" hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO Jim Bologa are joined by Kate Sciore, Vice President of Operations at Neurology Center of New England. We chat about Kate's participation on our Program Advisory Committee and PCI student and graduate opportunities at the Neurology Center of New England. Learn more about PCI's career training at PorterChester.edu.
On this episode of "Inside Career Technical Education" co-hosts Ann Baldwin and Porter and Chester Institute President/CEO Jim Bologa speak with recent PCI graduate Lexi about her career training journey. Lexi has been working in the computer aided drafting and design field and shares her experience in her new career! Learn more about our Computer Aided Drafting and Design program at PorterChester.edu.
On this edition of our "Inside Career Technical Education" podcast, Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin visit with Brockton, MA Campus Director of Operations and Education Henry Przybylowicz. We discuss the flexible learning model at our campuses and the program offerings and student experience at Brockton. Visit PorterChester.edu to learn more about PCI and our Brockton, MA location.
On this edition of "Inside Career Technical Education" host Ann Baldwin is joined by Siftex President Steve Weil to discuss our partnership and working together to create curriculum for project training. Listen to Steve's testimony on how graduates of Porter and Chester Institute Computer Aided Drafting and Design have impacted Siftex's business in South Windsor, CT. Learn more about Computer Aided Drafting and Design at Porter and Chester Institute at PorterChester.edu.
On this edition of "Inside Career Technical Education," Porter and Chester Institute President and CEO, Jim Bologa and co-host, Ann Baldwin highlight PCI's New London, CT campus and welcome Campus Director of Operations and Education Marc Feldman to the podcast. We discuss the program offerings and student experience at the New London campus, and the opportunities graduates of career training have. Visit PorterChester.edu to learn more about PCI and our New London location.
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