Adult Education Students Excel in CTE Programs

February 12, 2025

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrated each February, is a time to recognize the vital role of CTE programs in providing students with workforce training for high-demand careers. Delgado Community College’s Adult Education Program is one of many that equips students with skills required in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and more.

For students Forest J. Holmes and Sayaka Tajima, Delgado’s Adult Education Program instilled a foundation on which they are building academic success and career pathways.

Holmes went on to earn an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate from Delgado. “The Adult Education Program gave me the tools and confidence to further my education and career,” he said. “It has reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and has prepared me to take on new challenges in my field.”

He credits Delgado’s supportive environment for setting him on a rewarding path. “The support from Delgado’s instructors and resources, along with encouragement from family and peers, helped me push through,” Holmes said. “The hands-on training and structured coursework gave me the confidence to apply my skills in real-world situations.”

“Opportunity,” Holmes stated emphatically when asked for one word describing Delgado Community College. “Delgado has given me hope and the opportunity to build a better future. It has strengthened my skills, opened new career paths, and shown me that with determination anything is possible.”

Looking to broaden his career possibilities, Holmes is considering first responder roles and even entrepreneurship. “In the near term, I plan to use my EMT certification to gain experience in emergency medical services or public safety,” Holmes explained. “Long-term, I want to continue advancing my career, possibly in law enforcement, emergency response, or even expanding my business ideas that support first responders and students.”

Like Holmes, Sayaka Tajima started at Delgado in Adult Education and is working toward a Line Cook Certificate of Technical Studies in Delgado’s Culinary Arts Program. “The Adult Education Program at Delgado gave me a chance to shine. The staff taught me not only to study for exams, but they gave me an opportunity to become a better person,” Tajima noted.  

Tajima says Delgado is helping her persevere through multiple challenges—she is raising a family and managing a household with her husband, all while taking classes and learning English. “The obstacle I encountered when I started pursuing my education was a language barrier because English is my second language,” she explained.

“One word that comes to mind when I think about Delgado is compassion,” Tajima continued, pointing out the patience, generosity, and enthusiasm of Delgado’s culinary instructors.

Because of Delgado’s expert training, Tajima is gaining the skills and confidence to embark on a bright future as a chef. “Delgado Community College is not just an ordinary community college. This is a wonderful school unlike any other,” she said.