The Skilled Trades Fair encourages LAHS students to take on different career paths. (Photo courtesy of LAHS newsletter)

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — The College and Career Center at Los Alamitos High School offered a chance for students to learn about trade jobs at the Skilled Trades Fair last Friday, Nov. 15, during lunch.

One reason someone might want to learn more about in-demand trade jobs is job security. Trade jobs have many benefits and employment protection in their fields. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, over 4 million skilled trade jobs are projected to be unfilled by 2028 due to retirement and industry growth.

There is also a high demand for workers, leading to quick entry into the workforce. One path students can pick is the California Conservation Corps. The CCC allows students training and real work experience by offering four main jobs: the culinary field; an energy program; forest, parks and trails and firefighting with Cal Fire. The pay for working with CCC is $2,814 a month, and if students complete one full year in a program, they can earn up to $8,000 in scholarship money.

The Skilled Trades Fair has been going for four years, and over the years, the number of students has increased as more teachers learn about and take their classes to experience it during fourth and fifth periods. Mrs. Schaeffer, LAHS’ College and Career Counselor, told the Griffin Gazette that the rate of teachers booking spots to attend the fair as having grown greatly. This year, a bingo sheet gave students a chance to win prizes like gift cards and a free prom ticket by answering questions at different booths and gaining stamps.

Mrs. Schaeffer explained that the main goal of this program is for students to learn their options after high school. The majority of students might choose to go to a four-year college, but some might choose community college or the military, as well as a skilled trade path with more hands-on learning.

LAHS junior Luke Pinto expressed his interest in CCC and the possibility of a career in firefighting. Pinto is currently taking fire tech and hopes to follow that career path through the rest of high school.

“They’re people who assist firefighters on the frontlines, and they go out and help, chop down trees and make way for the firefighters,” Pinto said.

If any students are still interested in learning about going into a skilled trade career or any other paths after high school, speak to Mrs. Schaeffer ([email protected]) at the College and Career Center for any questions you have.