Have you ever seen a really big ship in a harbor and wondered how it stays afloat? It’s all about math and physics. It has to do with the weight and density of the ship against the weight and density of the water in which it floats. Even ancient shipbuilders understood some of these basic principles and found ways to make their crafts float. But today’s shipbuilders don’t need to guess what will and what won’t float and how to build their vessels. By using computer aided drafting and design (CADD), they can plan, design and build huge modern ships that can easily cross oceans. Today’s ships are really big and really expensive. The Allure of the Seas cruise ship is more than 1,100 feet … [Read more...]

Demand for HVACR Technicians is expected to grow faster than average through 2022.1 Could this be the right career for you? You’ll need to have great problem-solving skills, enjoy working with your hands and be able to work independently. Check out our helpful infographic to learn more about just what it takes to be an HVACR technician. Maybe this field is the one for you! … [Read more...]

James Reeves had a steady job, working in a mill that manufactured tin, but said he always knew there was something more for him. He didn’t know exactly what that was, but he suspected that he’d need some training if he was going to get out and find a new career. “I started to hate my job.  It was so monotonous,” said Jimmy. “I knew I needed to do something else, to learn something new. That’s when I found Porter and Chester.” Jimmy went for a school tour and said he was immediately struck by how nice everyone was. “From the moment I walked through the door, everyone was friendly and personal,” said Jimmy. Jimmy said he chose the electrician program at the Rocky Hill campus … [Read more...]

Whether you’re already a mom or just thinking to the future, a career as a nurse could be a perfect fit to motherhood. The very same traits that make you a good mom can also make you an excellent nurse, but there are even more reasons motherhood and a nursing career are such a good match. Flexibility: Being a mom is a full-time job! That means your “other” full-time job has to fit really well with it. To cover the 24-hour-a-day need for nurses, shifts are often divided: 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, and 11pm-7am. Which one might fit for you and your family? Nurses also can choose to work full-time or part-time. In 2012, some 20 percent of practical nurses were working part-time. Nurses can even opt … [Read more...]

Middle skills jobs—those requiring more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year college degree—are in high demand in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In fact, the demand for middle skills jobs is higher than either high or low skill occupations in both states; and the trend is expected to continue. According to the National Skills Coalition, between 2010 and 2020, 44 percent of Connecticut and 43 percent of Massachusetts job openings will be middle skills. [Tweet "49% of the CT labor market is middle skills but only 39% are trained for those jobs"]What may be surprising is there are more middle skill job openings than there are qualified job candidates. There is a middle … [Read more...]

When Brian Allen tells students that they need to be passionate about what they’re doing, he knows what he’s talking about. “I come to work every day and look at the clock, not thinking I wish the day was over,” said Brian, “but wondering where did the day go? Time flies, especially when you like what you do.” Brian is a Career Service Advisor at the Woburn campus of Porter and Chester Institute and he doesn’t just like his job; he’s passionate about it. An Air Force Veteran with a law enforcement background, Brian found civilian work at Standard Electric where he worked in Human Resources hiring, training and recruiting employees. The company gave him a great foundation for his … [Read more...]

Hospice care supports patients and their families as patients approach the end of their lives. Often the final phase to a terminal illness, hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than treatment and cure. Hospice patients get quality time with family and friends and a chance to die with dignity, while their caregivers get to make a real difference in their patients’ final days. Those working in hospice often say it is among the most rewarding experiences of their lives. If you are looking for a career in healthcare, like interacting with people, and want plenty of direct patient contact, hospice work could be the right specialty for you. Those facing the end of life often … [Read more...]

Ever since Thomas Edison began using electrical current to power his many inventions, the safety of new-fangled electrical devices was called into question by people who were both awe-struck and intimidated by electrical power. They realized that electricity had the potential to be dangerous and wanted to make sure no one got hurt. From that desire, the National Electrical Code was formed, a book of standards regulating electrical installations in the United States that dates back to the 19th century. It unified existing codes into one national standard that was easier to understand and implement. [Tweet "The National Electrical Code date backs to the 19th century"]Today, the National … [Read more...]

Do you want to work in the healthcare industry, as a medical assistant, dental assistant or practical nurse? Well, you can expect to hear some key questions over and over again when you head out on job interviews. Hiring managers will want to know that you’ve had the right career training, so they’ll ask you all about what you’ve learned and where you learned it. They’ll also want to know something about who you are and how you might be a benefit to their organization. Here are 5 healthcare job interview questions you might encounter and the kinds of answers you could offer in response: 1)  Why do you feel you’re qualified for this job? If you want to get hired, you’ll need to give … [Read more...]

If you’re passionate about cars and think you might like to work with them every day, check out the new Porter and Chester Institute automotive technician infographic. Our easy-to-follow guide will show you the skills you’ll need, the places you might work and some of the opportunities that could await you in this rewarding career. Take a look now: … [Read more...]