91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Graduate Builds Career in Health Care, Pursues Further Education

Michelle Lang — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:55:13 +0000

Simone Parkes has always wanted to work in the medical field. She began her career in health care at a job that didn’t require post-secondary training, but after giving birth to her son, she decided she wanted to advance her career and enrolled in the Medical Assistant Clinical (MAC) program at . After completing the program, she began working as a medical assistant and has now decided to further her education and become a nurse.

Parkes was working at when she became pregnant. When she was on maternity leave, she decided to enroll in NCCTI to obtain her MAC certification. Her cousin completed the MAC program and encouraged her to apply. In order to focus on her education, Parkes quit her job at Summit Health and started working for an hospital on the weekends.

“I had the support of my family, so that helped me be able to succeed with the program,” Parkes said.

She had been unable to enroll in school previously because she was caring for her parents when they fell ill. Her siblings all live out of state, so she was the person who took her parents to medical appointments and testing. Her husband stepped in to help so that she could focus on her studies, which was a great weight lifted off her shoulders.

“I spoke to my husband about [enrolling in the program]. He’s like, yeah, go ahead. We’ll take it day by day and we’ll figure it out,” she said. “And I’m happy and thankful that I did because I love what I do at my job.”

Parkes now works as a medical assistant in an RWJBarnabas Health multi-specialty pediatric office in West Orange, which offers care in cardiology, urology, allergy and general surgery. She enjoys working with the children and putting them at ease during their appointments. If she has an anxious cardiology patient, she will let the child put on and take off the EKG stickers before starting the procedure so they know what to expect.

“I try to make the experience most comfortable for them. To where they’re leaving all happy,” Parkes said. “That makes my day.”

Her experience in her current role has inspired her to become a pediatric nurse. She enrolled in ’s nursing program for the fall. She will retain her current job and attend school part-time. She hopes to eventually work in a pediatric emergency department or a pediatric unit in a hospital.

“Those kids need that proper nursing where they’re not going to get upset with what’s going on with the child. They’re going to find the best way to help them heal,” Parkes said.

She said her experience at NCCTI was positive and she recommends the school to anyone interested in launching a career in health care.

“The staff was amazing. The program was amazing,” Parkes said. “Being able to do book work and hands-on was great because we weren’t being thrown out there when we got to a doctor’s office or hospital, not knowing what was going on.”

Instructor Dr. Mamdouh Sorial prepared students for both the certification exam and the work world, according to Parkes. She said he broke down the steps of the medical procedures and provided little tricks to help students remember what to do.

NCCTI Interim Director Frances Teabout is happy the school has been a positive part of Parkes’ journey.

“At NCCTI, we aim to help our students launch their careers in their preferred program of study. It’s fulfilling to hear that Ms. Parkes has found meaningful employment and is continuing her education to further her career goals,” Teabout said. “We wish her great success going forward.”

Parkes lives with her husband and 1-year-old son and has two step-daughters, ages 10 and 5, who live with them part-time.

She is excited to be taking the next step in her educational journey and is thankful to have had NCCTI lay the foundation for her success.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician. For more information, call 973-824-6484, email nccti@newcommunity.org, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Holds Pinning Ceremony for Automotive Technician Students

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:48:02 +0000

held a pinning ceremony on Aug. 1 for students in the Automotive Technician program. The event recognized the hard work the students have put into their studies and served as motivation to those who recently started the program. Instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas also received pins to recognize their work teaching the students. Everyone brought food for a potluck lunch.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Celebrates the Class of 2025

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:30:49 +0000

hosted graduation on June 27 at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark. Students who completed the Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, High School Equivalency, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician programs were honored during the ceremony.

91��Ƭ Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin welcomed graduates and thanked them for trusting NCCTI to provide their education.

“I admire your strength, perseverance and will in getting through this technical school year and mastering your craft,” he said.

91��Ƭ CEO Simone Gagneron reminded graduates that their journey doesn’t end with obtaining their certificates and that they are always welcome back to the organization, especially since they have made friends and family during the course of their studies. She also encouraged them to continue on the trajectory of making positive choices.

“You said yes to advancing your career. You said yes to making a difference in your lives and making a difference in the lives of your family and making a difference in the lives of your community,” she said. “And everything else from here on out is a yes. No one can tell you no.”

Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly served as the keynote speaker and told graduates to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

“This achievement is just a testament to the fact that a dream, no matter how big, can be realized with dedication and determination. Today we don’t just celebrate your academic milestones and your technical milestones. We honor your resilience. Each of you have faced distinct challenges,” he said. “Yet you are still here and ready to take on the world.”

Kelly also reminded graduates that they are the reason for their success and that success isn’t defined by the type of work that they do. He said success has more to do with the impact you make on those around you.

“I’m excited to see how you bring your skills and passion to not only Newark, N.J., but to the world,” he said.

Two graduates spoke to their peers and supporters during the ceremony. Simone Parkes, who completed the Medical Assistant Clinical program, quit a full-time job to become a student and also married, became a stepmom and became a mom to an infant. She juggled her family responsibilities with studying and is grateful for her family’s support and to NCCTI for helping her excel. She currently works in a pediatric office and draws on the knowledge she learned from the program when speaking with patients and their parents during appointments.

“I’m beyond proud of our accomplishments. You never know how much impact you have on others. You’re amazing,” she said. “Continue pouring that positive energy into other people.”

Automotive Technician graduate Shareif Gilmer spoke about the challenges of growing up without a mother or a father. After finishing high school, he obtained a CDL license to support his family and decided to enroll in NCCTI to further his career. His current role has him maintaining medical transportation vehicles.

“It has been a race worth finishing. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life, which is the reason for encouraging all of you to be the best you can be,” he said. “I encourage you all to continue paving the many ways to your success.”

NCCTI Career Services Coordinator Chanda Webb presented employer partners and with awards for their ongoing support, providing students with tours and information and for hiring graduates.

University Hospital Manager of Recruitment Patient Care Services Claudia Alves said the relationship is changing lives, shaping the community and shows what is possible when organizations come together with a common goal.

“By partnering with NCC, University Hospital is helping to create a direct bridge between education and employment,” she said. “The program doesn’t just train workers. It builds careers, strengthens families and uplifts the entire neighborhood.”

Newark Community Health Centers Inc. Human Resources Recruiter Kobie Brown said his company has hired more than 28 NCCTI graduates from both medical programs and looks forward to welcoming even more in the future.

“It’s a pleasure for us to be here to serve our community and help see you guys grow as individuals,” he said.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Wednesday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Open House

Michelle Lang — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

will host an Open House on Tuesday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to noon at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.

For more information, call 973-824-6484, text 914-627-8219, email nccti@newcommunity.org or visit .

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Student Will Start Automotive Career in Newark

Michelle Lang — Mon, 05 May 2025 14:08:18 +0000

It’s somewhat rare to see a female fixing a vehicle, but student Eula Juanita Lovett hopes that is changing. She will complete the Automotive Technician program at NCCTI in May and already has a full-time job lined up at in Newark.

Lovett is particularly excited about her job because the auto repair shop is in Newark, where she lives, and is co-owned by a woman. Hilda Mera owns S&A Auto Center with her husband and has requested to be connected with female NCCTI students in the Automotive Technician program.

“For me, it is very important to hire women,” Mera said.

In addition to hiring female technicians to work on vehicles, Mera exposes them to the administrative side of the business should they want to pursue positions as managers or owners. Lovett is interested in furthering her career in the automotive field beyond the technician level, so she’s excited to learn more about leadership opportunities, especially from a female perspective.

Lovett also wants to be an honest mechanic that customers trust.

“I want to help women understand their cars better and keep up with maintenance so they’re not going to get scammed,” she said.

Lovett decided to pursue a career in the automotive industry because of the connection she developed with cars through her brother, who passed away two years ago. The pair bonded over video games, and the first one that they played together was the racing game Need for Speed. Her brother also gave her driving lessons and helped her pass her road test on the first try.

The independence that comes with being able to drive has always been important to Lovett as well.

“It’s freedom to be able to get to where you need to go, when you have to go,” she said.

Lovett lives close to NCCTI’s main campus and saw the school’s sign when she was walking to the corner store. She saw the program offerings and liked the idea that community was in the name since she is very connected to Newark. She spoke with NCCTI Admissions Representative Aziza Johnson and decided to enroll in the Automotive Technician program. She started in July.

Her experience at NCCTI has been positive. She has learned a lot and says instructors John Zaccheus and Winston Thomas have built an environment that promotes learning.

“They create this space where you can make mistakes, ask for help and correct it,” she said. “And now I have the tools that I need to prevent that next time.”

Lovett also said the hands-on aspect of the training is incredibly valuable in preparing students for the real world.

“I can read about cars all day, but until I actually pop the hood, put it on a lift and see what’s wrong, it doesn’t mean anything,” she said.

Being part of the Automotive Technician class has had its challenges, with Lovett facing some doubts and fears along the way. But she’s grateful for the opportunity and knows the experience will make her stronger and she will have a career she enjoys.

“Women deserve to be in this program,” Lovett said. “I just want this school to keep encouraging more women to sign up and give more women autonomy in any field that they choose.”

Mera agrees and hopes to continue working with NCCTI to give women opportunities in the automotive field.

“I love what the school is doing with the young generation, or whoever wants to learn this trade,” she said. “Especially because they’re empowering young ladies that want to pursue this career.”

NCCTI Director Miguel Pacheco said the school is committed to helping all students realize their career goals.

“We enroll students in their program of choice and work to educate them and prepare them for a career in that field,” he said. “We’re so pleased to have employer partners like S&A Auto Center that are looking to not just employ our students but mentor them and help them navigate the next steps in their career.”

Lovett appreciates the staff at NCCTI and recommends the school to everyone she meets who might be interested in automotive and health care training. She also said if she has children and they’re looking for those types of programs, she will sign them up at NCCTI.