The 3rd Annual Trades Day was larger than ever at the Porterville Fairgrounds on Thursday with 1,700 students from schools across the valley. Sponsored by Tulare Office of Education partnering with Porterville Unified School District, College of the Sequoias and sponsors from 4 Creeks Engineering to Construction Industry Education Foundation, there were about 35 vendors.
BIll Davis of TCOE said there were great displays from three of the local community colleges, Porterville College, COS, and Lemoore as well as a training program from Universal Technical Institute. "It's a wonderful day, with a lot of participation from students and trade partners."
"There is a union here, the International Union of Operating Engineers that starts offering jobs to people at 18 years of age. Construction, cranes, concrete work, drilling, industrial art, and more. It is another opportunity to hopefully change a life," said PUSD Board Trustee Juan Figueroa, Jr., who also works as an advisor at Fresno State, among his many outreach and good works.
Rhyane Shanley, PUSD Pathways, was overseeing the non-profit booth Climate Action Pathways, where high school interns were giving presentations to other high school students about green careers and sustainability. They were teaching students how to use infrared thermometers, which she explained were similar to a light meter. The thermometer measured surface temperatures.
CAPS Intern Dani Ramos from Harmony Magnet Academy said he thought it was great seeing all the students at the Trades Day expo, that they were learning about new careers and meeting industry professionals. Intern Ahla Saleh was also talking with students at the booth.
Wyatt Alaniz from Kaweah High School said Trades Day was an eye-opening experience and it was great for anyone to expand their knowledge about what they can do for work after high school. He was interested in construction and welding.
Jim Rooney, an instructor from the Lemoore College Automation and Maintenance Mechanics Program explained about a robot they had on display which they use in the local area for packaging and food processing.
He said the version on display was smaller than the usual variety which can be any size, up to 8 feet tall. A soldering gun can be added to the arm, or a screwdriver.
At the college they have an apprenticeship program that helps students, so they can work and learn at the same time. He said it's a good idea for students to develop skills that are in demand so they can provide for themselves and their families in the future.
Perla Solorio, a school counselor from Monache High School asked Rooney some questions about Trade Day. She said, "This is a total success and a great way for students to learn about hands-on opportunities in trade careers."
Matt Lee from Mid County Community School in Visalia said Trades Day was a fabulous event. "The information available to the students is invaluable. The vendors are all so happy to be here and are so informative. It is a pleasure to be part of something like this.”
Shane Souza, COS Professor of Industrial Technology said there are lots and lots of good paying jobs in industrial maintenance as he spoke to a group of young women students gathered in front of the machines including a can crusher which he opened up and showed all the wires and electrical components inside. He said, "Everything here has a purpose," as he explained he made a machine to crush cans, and demonstrated how it worked. He explained there are many manufacturing companies that most people drive by every day, and don't realize the jobs that are available at these businesses.
From PUSD Pathways Sergio Aparico said Trades Day had tripled in size and it was a great collaboration between TCOE, PUSD and all of the 35 vendors. And it creates great opportunities for students so they can get a job or career right out of high school.
Chelsey Hutchinson from TCOE said she was super excited to have students find their career or whatever their passion will be because of Trades Day.
Mattison Morales from Woodlake High School enjoyed the booth from the Fresno Area Electricity Training Center, and said it was her favorite, and, "I got to shock all my friends, which I thought was cool. How electricity can spread through everyone, from one person to another."