Jonathan Raygoza is excited about the opportunities ahead after high school. As a senior in the Construction Building Maintenance program at the Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus (A-Tech), he feels he has a lot of options. That’s why the Steamfitters Local 449 table at A-Tech’s Postsecondary Opportunity Day caught his eye. “Everything I do in lab has something to do with this,” he said. “It stands out to me. The pay is good.”
A journeyman steamfitter can earn $41/hour. Steamfitters Union representative Brad Tisdale, who is a 1981 graduate of the Electronics program when the school was known as the ACJVS, said there is a demand for workers. “An apprenticeship is like getting a scholarship. We’re looking for people who want to work hard, run complex pipe systems and be leaders,” he said. He knows first-hand that A-Tech grads are prepared for the challenge.
“They’ve picked up some skills the regular high school student may not have. They get the OSHA 10-hour card. Those are benefits that work to their advantage,” he said.
Tisdale was one of 21 representatives from area trade unions, technical schools, four-year colleges, community colleges, branches of the military and A-Tech’s Adult Workforce Development who were set up in the cafeteria at A-Tech on October 22nd. Students explored the various career and educational paths to see what might be the best fit after graduation.
“We tried to make sure every avenue was covered,” said A-Tech Guidance Counselor Katie Severino. “Our students have a competitive advantage with the skills they’ve acquired in their career technical programs. We want them to know they have many opportunities.”
Public Safety Academy seniors Misael Alicea and Damien Estes were thrilled to see the work they’ve completed at A-Tech qualifies for college credit at Lakeland Community College.
“I can pursue my career. That’s six college credit hours just because I went to A-Tech,” Alicea pointed out.
“You save money,” said Estes. “We can earn up to a year of college.”
Patience Davis, who is also a senior in the Public Safety Academy program is considering the National Guard. “They would pay for my college,” she said.
“The opportunities are endless for these students,” said Doug Nelson, director of admissions at Precision Manufacturing Institute. “Machining is just booming right now.”
For students like Raygoza, making a choice may be the hardest part. “I know I have choices,” he said.
To learn more about 21 Career-Technical programs for high school students at A-Tech, call 440-576-6015 or visit www.atech.edu.