If you have dreamed of making a career change, finishing your degree or owning your own business, Florida Technical College is your springboard to success. With six Central Florida campuses and dozens of fields of study, FTC offers bachelor’s and associate degrees and diploma programs to help you turn your dreams into reality. With convenient locations, flexible scheduling and online classes, going back to school is easier than ever.
Preparing for the Future
“We are different from a traditional college, because we are outcome-driven,” said David Ruggieri, FTC president and CEO. “We pride ourselves with matching people up with what they want to do. I always look at things with the end in mind. I want to see you walk out of this school with a chance to make a good living.”
Whether it’s drawing blood, baking a cake or installing an air conditioner, FTC prepares its students with hands-on training in a supportive, friendly environment. Career-readiness is woven into life on campus from day one. Instructors take attendance and follow up with students who are absent, encouraging a sense of discipline and commitment that is necessary to be successful in the workplace.
“We treat school like work,” Ruggieri said. “If you are not in class, you can’t learn. If you can’t learn, you can’t complete, and you might not be able to get a job.”
In addition to developing discipline, students have access to externships to gain practical experience before graduation.
Career assistance is available to students from the beginning, helping them prepare for the workforce.
“We start getting students prepared for the job market by about the third month by putting together résumés and running through practice interviews,” Ruggieri said.
The college has a consistent placement record and offers programs that equip students for in-demand job fields.
Florida Technical College provides hands-on training for in-demand job fields.
New Programs
One of FTC’s strengths is keeping a close watch on the quickly changing job market in Central Florida and offering new programs to meet that demand. The recently debuted Associate of Science medical assistant program with a basic machine operator track is such a program. The 18-month course of study at the Kissimmee campus offers students a chance to work with health care professionals and gain experience with X-ray machines. The demand for skilled, specialized medical assistants has grown, and graduates from this program are perfectly positioned for jobs in medical offices, hospitals, urgent-care facilities and radiology centers.
In response to the recent surge in the construction industry, FTC is launching diploma programs in plumbing, electrical and welding. Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions with residential and commercial construction companies.
“The very first class that every student will take before they even have a chance to pick up a tool is safety,” Ruggieri said. “As long as we provide students with good instruction and equipment and a facility that breeds learning, their success will be quite distinctive. There is tremendous potential for job opportunities.”
The curriculum for these programs is created by industry experts, including the National Center for Construction Education and Research. This certification and accompanying assessments are the industry’s gold standard, demonstrating to future employers that students are ready to become skilled, efficient workers.
Have you always dreamed about creating chocolate sculptures or baking artisan bread? The Kissimmee campus baking and pasteleria program teaches the skills necessary to become a baker or pastry chef at a bakery, hotel/resort or restaurant. Students in the Associate of Science culinary arts program learn not only crucial cooking techniques but also accounting, marketing and human resource skills that enable them to realize their dreams of possibly owning a business. They can put those skills into practice at the on-campus Zazon Café, open to the public.
The goal of the program isn’t just to land a job; it’s about preparing for a quality career. Students receive a balanced education, so they have a diverse skill set from a variety of global cuisines, making them a valuable addition to many of Orlando’s many high-end professional kitchens. The small program size and recent accreditation by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation mean potential job placement at local theme parks, hotels and resorts.
Personal Attention Leads to Success
Class sizes are kept purposely small so students receive the personalized attention they need to succeed. Fewer students mean more hands-on lab time and an intimate environment that fosters learning. Each student receives an iPad and e-books so learning can take place anywhere, any time.
“There’s a lot of mentoring and counseling that goes on behind the scenes,” Ruggieri said.
Instructors are proactive in assisting those who might need a little extra help and students have the option of repeating a class at no cost if necessary. “At the end of the day, my success is really their success. If my students are successful then FTC did its job,” Ruggieri said.
Take a Chance
The thought of returning to school or contemplating a career change can feel scary and overwhelming.
If you dream of trying something new or making a better life for your family, Ruggieri has this advice: “When in doubt, risk it. Take a shot. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If it doesn’t work out, tomorrow is another day. Take a risk and let’s see if FTC can move you from your comfort zone to a place that is a little less safe and comfortable but the next rung on the ladder. If you are trying to get to the top, you have to climb one rung at a time.”
With FTC standing by to offer career-relevant courses, individual attention and hands-on experience, there’s no better place to make those dreams of a brighter future come true, one rung at a time.
For more information, call 407-483-5700 or visit www.ftccollege.edu on the web. ♠
