- Whittier Tech hosted an eight-week exploratory program for high school seniors to explore technical and vocational programs, allowing students to explore new subjects each week with Whittier instructors.
- Five students completed the program and received certificates of completion, and they will participate in the electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or auto body programs through Whittier’s summer Career Technical Institute.
- The exploratory program is a great opportunity for non-vocational school students to explore their interests further through hands-on and interactive learning, preparing them for success in their chosen fields.
In a recent development, Whittier Tech students have successfully completed an exploratory program aimed at cultivating new skills and interests. The program, centered around various industries such as health care, technology, and engineering, provided students with hands-on experience and practical knowledge.
The program, which ran for several weeks, saw the active participation of over 500 students and provided them with an opportunity to explore career paths beyond their classrooms. Local businesses collaborated with the school, offering students apprenticeships and internships.
One of the program’s goals was to encourage students to look into underrepresented fields such as manufacturing, where there are many job opportunities but few interested parties. By exposing eager students to the manufacturing industry, the program aimed to fill the skills gap in many trades.
The program’s success has been evident in the excitement and passion that the students have shown for the program. Robin Cedrone, the superintendent-director of Whittier Tech, shared that the students’ involvement in the program created an engaging and interactive curriculum, where the students were active participants in their own learning experience.
“We saw tremendous growth in our students and their enthusiasm for areas that they may have never considered before. We’re extremely proud of this cohort and are excited to see where their newfound curiosity takes them. We’re also grateful to our local businesses who have partnered with us in this program and look forward to their continued support,” Cedrone remarked.
It remains to be seen where future iterations of this successful program will take students. It’s an example of how schools can bridge gaps between education and industry and provide students with unique pathways to career success.