Blue Ridge CTC Podcast

In this episode, Jay Slonaker shares insights on how AI is transforming business, education, and digital marketing, emphasizing practical applications and future trends. Joel and Jay discuss how students and entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools to innovate and succeed. Hear how Blue Ridge Community & Technical College is staying current in these trends and equipping students for the future. Dig...

In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Madan Nepal, Program Coordinator for Computer Networking Engineering. We explore the fundamentals of computer networking, its history, career opportunities, and the importance of certifications and hands-on experience for aspiring network engineers. Perfect for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the field and to find more opp...

Joel Heslop talks with a recent Cyber Security graduate, Kigani Kao, about her successful journey at Blue Ridge and her transition into the field. This interview with Kigani explores her journey from medical assisting to Cybersecurity at Blue Ridge Community & Technical College. She shares insights on flexible learning options, the importance of internships, and how Blue Ridge prepares student...

In this episode, Joel Heslop interviews Dr. Mohamed Reda Sayed Ibrahim about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), its impact on jobs, industry, and education, and how Blue Ridge Community Technical College is preparing students for the future of AI. Dr. Mo's wealth of experience and history in the industry make for a great conversation. They explore AI's history, current...

Joel Heslop takes a look at the new Building Systems Technician program at Blue Ridge Community & Technical College, led by industry veteran and program coordinator Eric Stahle. Learn about career opportunities as a Building Systems Technician working with HVAC, data centers, and large commercial buildings, and discover how hands-on training can fast-track your entry into a lucrative career. F...

In this episode, Joel Heslop interviews Jessica Kolek, program coordinator for the Applied Lab Tech program at Blue Ridge Community & Technical, about applied lab tech and environmental science tech programs. They explore career opportunities, hands-on learning, internships, and how these programs prepare students for real-world jobs in science and environmental fields. More information: Email...

In this podcast episode, Joel Heslop interviews Rebecca Lewis, the Career Advancement Program Manager at Blue Ridge Community Technical College, focusing on the Early Childhood Education program. They discuss the program's structure, opportunities for students, the importance of internships, community partnerships, and the flexibility of the program for working individuals. Rebecca shares insi...

In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Tiffany Hine, Director of Small Business Education and Training, to explore how Blue Ridge Community College collaborates with small businesses to provide tailored training programs that foster growth, improve communication, and enhance leadership skills. Discover practical strategies, success stories, and opportunities for local businesses to leverage these...

In this conversation, Joel Heslop Digital Media Faculty & Kim Graves, Associate Dean of the Division of Information Technology & Mathematics are joined by recent graduate Jamila (Mimi) Fleet and her mother Jamila Fleet, discussing the journey of homeschooling and dual enrollment at Blue Ridge Technical & Community College. We explore the benefits of early college courses, the transitio...

Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and hospitality at Hollywood Casino in West Virginia, featuring insights from announcer Paul Espinosa Jr. We cover ca...

Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and hospitality at Hollywood Casino in West Virginia, featuring insights from Director of Hospitality Abu Ehsa...

Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and hospitality at Hollywood Casino in West Virginia, featuring insights from advertising manager Jassi Mason...

In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Dr. Apryl McDonough who discusses the concept of Prior Learning Assessment at Blue Ridge CTC for the Prior Learning Program, explaining how it allows students to earn college credit for their work and life experiences. She highlights the benefits of this program for non-traditional students, the eligibility criteria, and the support systems in place to assis...

Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This podcast episode explores the intersection of tourism and the arts in West Virginia, focusing on the Morgan Arts Council and its role in the community of Berkele...

In this episode, Joel Heslop discusses the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Blue Ridge CTC with program coordinator Dr. Chrystal McDonald and clinical coordinator Mark Noll. They explore updates to the program, including streamlined prerequisites, clinical coordination changes, and the importance of soft skills in patient interactions. They take a look at some personal testimonials wh...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Amber Butcher discusses the Learn and Earn Grant, a state initiative that reimburses local businesses for hiring interns from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The conversation highlights the benefits for both students and businesses, including financial incentives, hands-on experience, and career growth opportunities. Amber explains the eligibilit...

In this episode, Joel Heslop welcomes students Dianne Rose and Nathan Clark to discuss the exciting activities of the STEM club and the Space Team at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, focusing on their recent trip to the Green Bank Observatory. The conversation highlights the hands-on experiences students had with radio astronomy, the collaborative efforts among different institutions, a...

In this episode, we explore the various career support initiatives at Blue Ridge CTC, focusing on the WORC5 grant and Learn and Earn grants. Alan, the Career and Employment Counselor, discusses how these programs assist students in overcoming barriers to education and employment, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and networking in achieving career success. Want more information?...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop is joined by Don Heumpreus, IT Program Coordinator and Dianne Rose, current student president of the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC. This conversation explores the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC, highlighting its goals, activities, and the importance of community and support for students in STEM fields. The discussion includes insights from club leader...

In this episode of the Culinary Academy Podcast, hosts Chef Steve Weiss and Chef Miriam Conroy discuss various topics related to culinary education, including the Ascend grant, food safety, kitchen tools, and a traditional Basque recipe. Special guest Olivia Loy joins them to discuss the Ascend Grant! They emphasize the importance of supporting students in their culinary journey and explore how fo...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with James Yarnall, senior director of cybersecurity operations at a large financial institution and Kay Ogilvie, Cybersecurity Program Coordinator here at Blue Ridge CTC. They take a look at the Cyber Security program and the future of Cyber Security. How does AI, change the cybersecurity field? How can we prepare for the future of cyberse...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with program coordinator, Dr. Chrystal McDonald and Mark Noll about the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Blue Ridge We discuss the roles and responsibilities of PTAs and all the exciting opportunities available to them. They look at the hands-on experience and job opportunities available for PTA graduates. They also mention the...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with Josh Benton, the Dean of the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Department, Dustin Dell, an instructor for the EDET program, and Hunter Hours, a student in the EDET program. They discuss the EDET program, which stands for electrical distribution engineering technology, and its focus on training students to become linemen. They also...

In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, College President Dr. Peter Checkovich and Associate Dean Joshua Benton discuss the Mechatronics program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. They highlight the various facets of the program, including advanced manufacturing, PLCs, programming, robotics, automation, electromechanical systems, welding, and electrical lineman training. The program ha...

In this episode of the What's Brewing at the Culinary Academy podcast, the hosts invite Allison Zito, the National Accounts Manager for Maple Leaf Farms, to talk about all things duck. They discuss the variety of duck products offered by Maple Leaf Farms, including whole body birds, duck breasts, duck legs, and value-added products like duck bacon and ground duck. They also talk about the misc...