As the school year comes to an end, the big question for many students becomes more apparent. What is the next step after high school? Many students will go on to receive an education through college to prepare for their occupation, but some will plan on a vocational career to receive on the job training in the work force.
For many youth, vocational jobs are a popular choice as they can receive valuable training as well as payment for their services in the process. Pursuing training through a trade school as opposed to a college education is also more economically sound simply because college students will pay thousands more for their college degree than a graduate of a trade school.
Marshfield currently offers four Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes to prepare students for their future, which include manufacturing, carpentry, radio and technology. Students have a chance to get a taste of real world job applications while attending high school.
Tom Hull has been instructing Marshfield’s manufacturing class since 2004 and led a similar program at South Umpqua High School for 20 years. Hull strives to create an environment in which his students can learn and prosper, all while preparing for real world job experiences.
“I teach them to think, solve problems and to use common sense, as well as the technical skills they need,” Hull said.
Junior Tyler Vassar has been involved in CTE classes his entire high school career. Vassar spends a majority of his time in manufacturing because of his high interest in it.
“I found that most of the classes here didn’t challenge me, and if they did, I didn’t take much interest in them,” Vassar said. “Metal shop was different; I knew right away that I would enjoy the class.”
Most interpretations of a vocational career are that of a career in the industrial workforce, however, they include a wide array of occupations.
Junior Justice Cantrell plans on receiving training to become a hairstylist and nail technician. Cantrell’s family is full of beauticians; Cantrell’s grandmother attended beauty school along with her aunt who is currently styling hair.
“I find it fun, it’s my hobby,” Cantrell said. “I thought I would love to have my hobby as my job.”
Cantrell plans on attending the Paul Mitchell Beauty School in Portland, or attending a local beauty school before transferring to a different location. Cantrell would receive the tips of the trade from instructors while working hands on with customers who come to the beauty school for hair care.
“It’s like an art to me. When you’re doing someone’s hair it’s like an art, with all the angles and the colors,” Cantrell said. “I just enjoy doing it.”
Like Cantrell, Vassar plans to continue on into a vocational career. He will sign on at a machine shop to receive an apprenticeship as a machinist, or to receive his certifications through a trade school after he graduates.
“I knew after a week of machine shop that this is what I wanted to do,” Vassar said. “I knew I didn’t want an office job.”
