Successful Roadmap to CTE Careers Event

Gaston College hosted its second annual Rhino Roadmap for CTE Careers event on Feb. 25, 2025, at the Dallas campus, drawing approximately 250 attendees.

The event, sponsored by Duke Energy, showcased more than 25 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Visitors could tour classrooms and labs, and faculty members were available to answer questions from potential students.

Key highlights of the event included:

• 23 local employer partners representing industries aligned with CTE programs
• 15+ tables offering information on Gaston College resources, including financial aid and admissions
• Campus tours with Gaston College Rhino buses shuttling between various areas

Participants received complimentary pizza to kick off the event before they headed out to collect roadmap stamps across campus in order to be entered into a drawing for various prizes, including gift cards and a grand prize laptop.

Lisa Albright-Jurs, Gaston College’s dean of CTE programs, emphasized the event’s value: “The key to this event is the opportunity for current and prospective students to talk with faculty, tour our spaces, and talk with employers at the same time.”

Some of the 2025 participating businesses included:

• Atlas Copco Specialty Rental
• Ditch Witch of the Carolinas
• Gaston County District Attorney’s Office
• Gaston County Economic Development Commission
• Gaston County EMS
• Gaston County Police – 911 Communications
• Gaston County Sheriff
• Gaston Workforce Development Board
• Gastonia Fire Department
• GF Machining Solutions LLC
• GSM Services
• HYDAC Technology Corporation
• IFAB Corp.
• Lincoln County Emergency Medical Services
• Lincoln Economic Development Association
• Momentum Tire & Car Care
• Parkdale
• S&ME, Inc.
• The Rooster
• Tindol Ford Subaru ROUSH RTR
• WEINIG HOLZ-HER USA, Inc
• Gaston County Information Technology
• Bowen Machine Company Inc.

The Rhino Roadmap event highlights Gaston’s commitment to connecting students with career opportunities and fostering relationships between education and industry. By bringing together current and prospective students, faculty, and local employers, we try to create a dynamic environment for career exploration and professional development.

If you’re interested in learning more about Gaston College’s CTE programs or future events, visit gaston.edu or follow us on social media. A list of Gaston’s social channels can be found at https://linktr.ee/gastoncollege.