TOMS RIVER – For years, Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) students and staff have been the strongest advocates for the school’s programs, and this year’s Open House was no exception. The event’s success was driven by the direct engagement between visitors and the students and instructors who brought the benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to life. Attendees experienced firsthand the enthusiasm, expertise, and hands-on learning that appear to define OCVTS.
School authorities noted that 1,786 individuals signed in to the Open House across its six campuses – Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Waretown, Little Egg Harbor, and Ocean County College. The event’s overwhelming turnout highlighted a growing appreciation for training in high-demand careers.
The Toms River campus alone provided a glimpse into the dynamic, real-world learning environments awaiting prospective students. The Electrical Studies classroom featured a framed structure alongside demonstration boards, wiring components, and workbenches equipped with tools like wire strippers, circuit breakers, and transformers – everything an aspiring electrician needs to spark a bright future. The Marine Service Technology teaching space felt like a working boatyard, with boats, motors, and engines set up for students.
The welding lab featured a bustling workspace where students hone their craft using machinery that blends science and artistry. Meanwhile, the Cosmetology classroom setup featured rows of sinks, mannequins for hands-on practice, and styling stations. Students in both the medical assistant and dental assisting programs were uniformed and eager to step into professional practices to get to work.
“We are thrilled to announce the success of the recent Open House for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS),” said Superintendent Karen L. Homiek. “ It was an incredible opportunity to showcase the hands-on programs, dedicated and passionate instructors and pathways available for students to excel in their careers in all six centers.”
“OCVTS is excited to be part of the surge in vocational education as we shape the future workforce,” Homiek continued. “The Ocean County Commissioners and the OCVTS Board of Education are staunch supporters of the growth that the district is currently experiencing. We are most fortunate to be part of this positive movement that is shaping our workforce leading to lifetime careers.”
A Hands-On Pathway To Success
The Open House wasn’t just about showcasing classrooms and facilities – it was about opening doors to future careers. Students gain specified training and practical experience, a distinct advantage in the job market. Graduates are prepared to pass licensing tests, secure apprenticeships and successfully move into the workforce.
“The event underscored the significance of CTE in today’s economy,” said the school in a press release. “As industries evolve, the demand for skilled technical professionals continues to rise. OCVTS’ Open House not only highlighted the school’s role in meeting this demand but also demonstrated the practical and lucrative career paths available through CTE.”
Cosmetology, electrical trades, and welding are among the most sought-after programs at OCVTS. To ensure fair access to these popular courses, the school recently replaced its traditional waiting list with a computerized lottery system for student selection.
The Cosmetology program includes the science behind working in the industry and a focus on learning tools. Students gain hands-on experience in a working clinic, where they practice on each other and offer select services for a nominal fee. At 500 hours, they can do some work in a salon. They are required to complete 1,200 hours of instruction in cosmetology and hairstyling before they can sit for the state licensing exam.
Kristian Desjardins brings 25 years of experience to OCVTS as one of its two instructors in the Electrical Trades program. He offered some insight into how OCVTS works with high school students throughout Ocean County.
“For the high school students, it’s a shared time program with their regular districts,” he explained. “They spend half the day here, starting in their junior year.”
“The two-year program gets everybody outside working, with the two years counting as the first year of their apprenticeship program,” continued Desjardins. “They’ll come out of high school and go directly into the second-year apprenticeship while working in the school to finish their four-year apprenticeship.”
Desjardins also discussed the post-secondary program and the high demand for electrical training, noting the upcoming addition of a third electrical program in Jackson. He further explained how the program gives students a head start on the five years of field experience and four-year apprenticeship required to become a licensed electrician.
Sparks fly in the welding shop, where students learn the art and science of joining metals. Khyiah Santana, a post-secondary student in the welding program, shared her inspiration.
“My dad was a civil engineer and an OSHA inspector on many job sites, and looking at him got me interested in construction all together,” she said. “I’m a hands-on person. Welding is one of the jobs really wanted in our society right now, making it the right choice for me.”
Santana also spoke about the camaraderie in the field. “I think the community behind it of welders is a very, very strong one…and the work that you create is long-lasting and permanent, and it will definitely get you recognized for your hard work.”
OCVTS has the unique distinction of offering a Marine Service Technology program, which teaches students how to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot marine engines and equipment. Students learn the theory and practice of boating safety, fiberglass construction, and electrical systems.
Donny Nain, a Waretown resident and junior at Southern Regional High School, said the program combines his love of the water and using his mechanical skills.
“I’ve always liked working on things,” Nain said. “And I like being on the water. This is the perfect opportunity to mix the two.”
Instructor Rob Berenwick noted the program’s expansion due to high demand passed on to him by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. “They said they need people.”
A World Of Possibilities
OCVTS offers shared-time and adult programs across its six campuses, including Grunin Performing Arts & Ocean County College Campus. Many programs offer opportunities for students to earn advanced credits at colleges and technical schools. The school also provides pre-vocational programs for students with Individualized Education Programs and accelerated programs for graduating seniors and adults in fields like Culinary Arts and Automotive Technology.
Two new programs are also offered in Bricklayer, Allied Craftworker & Masonry, and Legal Studies and Paralegal Practice. To learn more about OCVTS, visit ocvts.org.
“The turnout at this year’s open house truly reflects the growing interest and recognition of the value our career and technical education programs offer at Ocean County Vocational Technical School, especially as we celebrate CTE Month,” said Dr. Michael B. Maschi, OCVTS Assistant Superintendent. “We’re proud to provide students with the skills and hands-on experience they need to excel in their careers and contribute to the workforce.”
