Speakers visit career center

    Almost 100 students from grades nine through ten sat and listened to speakers who described the life they could have if they joined their team, the Associated Training Services Network. ATS was one of the many groups chosen by the Career Center to speak to students during both flexes on Feb. 11.
    
    ATS teaches students and young adults how to build a career of becoming a construction worker.  Trainees learn to manage heavy equipment such as dump trucks, skid steers or compactors. This session described to students some of the construction jobs available with or without a college education.
   
    Senior Carlos Galicia was very curious about whether or not some of the students involved in this program move on in life and manage or own a construction company or business. ATS representatives Ramon Serrano and Carlos Dolbec said that many do, but it depends on the working ability of the students and how much knowledge is acquired through ATS training.
   
    ATS produces skilled workers and fills a high demand for qualified engineers. Salaries for workers start at $15 an hour and increase to about $20 an hour. One student asked what businesses look for when interviewing prospective employees for a job position. The speaker responded by saying that the businesses ask ATS if the student showed up on time to class. Punctuality is the most important trait considered when both men and woman apply for these jobs. Job interviews after ATS training are based 50% hands-on demonstration of skills and 50% on knowledge of the ATS curriculum.
   
    When asked his thoughts on the ATS speakers, Junior Eli Slone responded by saying, “I might not pursue this career, but it would be a good thing to fall back on.”
   
    Some students may want to pursue this career of construction while others may choose to apply to colleges and are planning to complete a college education. Either way, the Career Center wants to help students decide the best choice for their future.