PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Students at Strawberry Mansion High School are getting a chance to explore careers in construction trades under a new pilot program this year.
The program is 19 weeks long and every Wednesday, 40 students at the high school learn about careers as electricians, carpenters or HVAC techs directly from industry professionals.
Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Laborers’ District Council, said students are taught the “special language” of each trade.
“Jargon of construction, which is very important – every industry has its own nomenclature.”
City Council President Darrell Clarke attended the program on Wednesday. She is happy trades are being brought back to the learning environment.
“Back in the day, they had wood shop, Clarke said. “They had metal shop, they had electric shop, right? And then, somehow, all of that went away. But here we are, years later, talking about bringing meaningful opportunities in here.”
Related
Anastasia Spencer, a senior at the high school, went to the program and said she was glad to discover all the career options.
“I think these are good opportunities because not everybody has opportunities like this.”
Superintendent Tony Watlington says the district is considering having the program at more schools and he’s already looking at ways to expand it as he develops his long-term school plan.
Related
Boyer said if students are willing to work hard, a union apprenticeship awaits those who complete the program.
“Lowest pay, 72 thousand dollars in the trades. Highest pay, 140 thousand dollars. And guess what? Once you learn a skill, you can open a business.”