LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On Friday, Nov. 7, Los Alamitos High School hosted its annual Skilled Trades Fair during lunch in the College and Career Center. This fair was for students looking for possible career pathways and opportunities other than the traditional college pathway. It was open to students from all grade levels who were interested in exploring different trades and skills. More than 350 students attended the fair to learn more about these high-demand careers.
“This is…one of the many options that students have once they graduate high school,” said one of the College and Career Center staff members, Mrs. Ford-Patterson. “A lot of people don’t know that there are other careers available, where you can make a lot of money to live in California and support your family.”
Most students only consider the college pathway after high school, but other options can still lead to a fulfilling, stable career for many students who don’t have the traditional desire for a higher education. By hosting an event like the Skilled Trades Fair, LAHS hopes students will learn about different careers that interest them and have an opportunity to learn about them. Many career options were offered at the fair with representatives at the booths, prepared to answer students’ questions and offer more information about the trade that they were representing. There was a wide range of careers present, from the Carpenters Union, a culinary school and nursing, to engineering, fire science and drone piloting.
“It’s important for a student to have an idea of different pathways that they can take when they graduate, whether it be college or learning to trade. It’s good to always know of your opportunities,” said the Carpenters Union associate, Matthew Dunphy.
“The Carpenters Union builds everything. We build hospitals, schools… (and) rides at Disneyland, we build everything. It’s a huge satisfaction when you see something you built and you’re making good money doing it.”
All of these career choices provide great opportunities for students who might not have been previously aware of them. They can learn great skills, both in their field of study and in life, and they can also earn an associates or bachelors degree in some of the career fields that include community college.
“We are hoping that students take away a career that they are exposed to, something that they’ve never heard about,” said another College and Career Center staff member, Mrs. Alfaro. “We want them to find an interest in it and hopefully create a career and a lifestyle for themselves that they’re excited about.”
Whether students choose to attend a 4-year college, community college or learn a trade, they have the opportunity to accomplish great things and find a career that they are passionate about and can be successful in.
