Last year, seniors Bayler Stemple and Mitchell Huck finished their high school careers and entered into an apprenticeship program with Multi-Craft, as a result of participating in the construction program.
“Kids I recommend are kids that I would hire,” said construction teacher Stowe Hoffius. “It comes from their work ethic.”
Multi-Craft is a Partner in Education, who works with Mr. Hoffius to provide “product, talent and time,” as stated on the district website. They allow students who have excelled in their construction classes to have a job right outside of high school.
Stemple and Huck are students who worked toward establishing a career path while finishing their high school education. Construction students receive certification after just one year. A relationship has been built between the construction program, and Multi-Craft offers students apprenticeships in areas such as plumbing, electricity, carpentry, and the newest category, casework cabinet making.
“We endeavor to teach these students everyday skills they’ll use in the workplace,” said Mr. Hoffius.
The construction program is not the only opportunity for students to build their careers in school. Students are able to enroll in programs through the Career and Hair Academy, the automotive program at Northwest Technical Institute, and a dental hygiene program at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Students can request information on these programs from the counseling center.
“Most of these programs are administered through the NWACC or NTI,” said school counselor Colleen Foster. “NTI and NWACC applications aren’t available until CAP.”
Students are also able to prepare for their careers by entering the workforce in areas that suit their future career paths. The JAG program allows students to leave school early to go to the jobs that they already have or want.
The school also provides opportunities for those students pursuing a career in the medical field. Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) allows students to graduate with medical honors. There are numerous medical classes available for students to qualify for the honors.
“Students get some hands-on basic skills with medical terminology,” said HOSA sponsor Debbie Davis. “If they graduate with medical honors, it helps with scholarships and admittance.”
Right now, the medical classes do not provide students to opportunities to get certified; however, Mrs. Davis can connect students with resources to become certified. According to Mrs. Davis, NWACC offers a summer program that allows students to gain certification to become a Certified Nurses Assistant as long as they meet the age requirement of 18.
According to Mr. Hoffius, more companies are needed in order to place more students in apprenticeships. More opportunities for students would be available if more companies were involved.
“It takes a while to build up students and relationships with builders,” said Mr. Hoffius. “It’s a commitment just like college is.”
