The Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) opened its doors to industry partners and community members on Thursday, March 20, 2025, for the annual Skills Showcase—an event that brought to life the hard work and dedication of CTEC students and staff.
Throughout the day, visitors witnessed firsthand the real-world skills and professionalism being developed inside CTEC classrooms and labs. From the excitement on students’ faces to the meaningful interactions with business professionals, the showcase left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
“The effort, time, and passion our teachers invest in their students was on full display,” said CCPS Work-Based Learning Coordinator Ainsley Cockerille. “It was inspiring to see how our programs are shaping futures and opening doors.”
Highlights from the 2025 Skills Showcase included:
46 business professionals attended from 26 different companies, with 11 new industry connections formed this year.
Some visiting professionals were former CTEC students now working in local businesses they originally connected with through CTEC.
A business owner was so impressed with one student’s performance, they offered a job on the spot—and plan to extend offers to three more students.
Culinary Arts participated in the event for the first time, proudly showcasing their talents to enthusiastic guests.
Representatives from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue praised CTEC’s EMT and Firefighter programs, sharing that they learned so much from the students and instructors that they plan to bring ideas back to Fairfax to model in their own training programs.
“Fairfax Fire’s feedback confirmed what we already know—that our instructors, Mr. Dillon and Mrs. Hart, are exceptional leaders who are making an undeniable impact,” said Cockerille. “We are so proud of what’s happening here at CTEC.”
The annual Skills Showcase serves as a celebration of student achievement, a bridge between education and industry, and a reminder of the importance of investing in career and technical education.
For more information about CTEC and its programs, please visit www.culpepertec.org