Washington State Skill Center Association

This February, we proudly recognize National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month — a time to celebrate the value of hands-on, career-focused learning and the accomplishments of students, educators, and industry partners.

At Northwest Career & Technical Academy, students from Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish counties access tuition-free, experiential learning that prepares them for college and careers. Through engaging programs like Automotive Services, Applied Medical Science, Welding, Video Game Development, and more, learners gain real-world skills, earn high school credits, college credits, and industry certifications, and build confidence for the future.

CTE Month is a chance to spotlight the importance of this education model — one that connects classroom knowledge with workplace expectations, fosters leadership and problem-solving, and opens doors to meaningful careers right after graduation or beyond. It’s also a perfect time to celebrate the determination of NCTA students and dedication of the instructors who empower them every day.

As we highlight CTE this February, we encourage students and families to explore the diverse courses and pathways available at NCTA, and consider how career-connected learning can shape your future.

NCTA has two new programs: Allied Health, led by Ms. Mari Schramm, and Baking & Pastry led by Chef Glenn Goodfellow. This month, students from Allied Health presented information about the history of the Food Pyramid to the Baking & Pastry students. "We all found it so interesting," says Chef Glenn.

Animation & Graphic Design has been working on a collaborative project with Money & Business to create new logo designs for the NCTA.

Sixteen designs were created by A&GD teams. After a school-wide vote, two designs will be showcased on saleable merch, created and managed by M&B students.

NCTA currently serves over 600 students representing 27 high school programs and 16 school districts in Skagit, Whatcom, and Northern Snohomish counties. We have 4 campuses that house 17 CTE programs. Classes meet daily for 2 and a half hours each day. Not only do we earn 3 credits towards high school graduation, we can also earn dual credit at Skagit Valley, Bellingham Tech, and Whatcom Community Colleges.

There's a lot going on! Here is just taste of what our amazing students and instructors are doing!

Allied Health is all about teamwork -- recognizing that it takes a team of knowledgeable, compassionate, and skilled professionals to keep our community healthy. In this class, students learn hands-on skills and information to set the groundwork for careers in fields ranging from EMS to ultrasound technicians, occupational therapists to physician's assistants. Students collaborate with other NCTA students and outside agencies to build their knowledge and confidence.

Students in the Fire Science & EMS program gain hands-on, real-world experience in public safety. Students have participated in a dollhouse burn to observe fire behavior, heat movement, and ventilation in a controlled environment. Students traveled to Tulalip Bay Fire and participated in skills alongside their cadet program and firefighters on shift. Students also have been working on essential firefighting skills emphasizing teamwork, safety, and job standards. We just launched into EMS, giving students an exciting opportunity to begin developing skills in emergency medical services alongside fire science! Enjoy a few pictures from this year!