Putting Their Career Plans Into Action!
![Career Signing Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717709176/valleytechk12maus/dkyef2n2nifchiccnsbp/BVTNewsCSDTingley.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717709176/valleytechk12maus/dkyef2n2nifchiccnsbp/BVTNewsCSDTingley.jpg","width":403}])
4th Annual Career Signing Day
Our Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) held its 4th annual Career Signing Day on May 17th. The ceremony recognized the senior Co-op and career placement students, who proudly announced their career or military plans and signed a commitment letter to work with their employer after graduation.
Vocational Director Kerri Baltramaitis proudly welcomed the soon-to-be graduates, parents, instructors, industry partners, and school administrators before highlighting the individual student's achievements in their trade area and the Co-op program. The Class of 2024's remarkable participation in the program led to unprecedented Co-op numbers, with 167 students involved. Through their collective efforts, the students have completed over 60,000 hours of work since April 2023 and earned an estimated 1.1 million dollars in salary. The Co-op experience is possible thanks to the growing number of local businesses that partner with the school and students each year, ultimately demonstrating the program's positive impact on the local community.
During the ceremony, employment contracts were signed with representatives from local companies including Ace Temperature Control, Anchor Subaru, Avenue Fifty Salon & Spa, Bill Tracia Electrical, Boucher Energy Systems, Braza & Mancini Electrical Contractors, Brian Richard Salon, Carter Electric Inc., Core Concepts, Corrosion Materials, Elevation 3D, E-Tech, General Mechanical Contractors, Greg Burtt Contracting, Joseph T. Mark Electrical, Kevin Allen Carpentry, Kuik Electric, La Mare Salon, O' Donnell Electric Corporation, RJ's Plumbing & Heating, Saint-Gobain, Salon Dior, Tingley Home Services, T&J Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Worcester Regional Transit Authority, and Worldband, in addition to military services which included the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the United States Air Force.
With all their energy and enthusiasm, these seniors earning nearly a million dollars in one year of co-op placements have found their financial footing using their vocational skills and technical training. Of course, they'll continue to gain more experience with full-time employment and on-the-job training. They have proven to their employers that they're ready to go directly from high school into high-skill, high-wage employment, and they are excited about putting their career plans into action!
While many students signed contracts at the ceremony, several more who could not attend due to work conflicts are also headed directly to industry careers. These modern vocational students have demonstrated financial independence, showcasing their skills and technical training. They will continue to gain more experience with full-time employment and on-the-job training. Their employers are confident that they are ready to go directly from high school into high-skill, high-wage employment, and they are excited about putting their career plans into action!
We appreciate the local companies and industry representatives supporting vocational-technical education across the Blackstone Valley. These co-ops and career opportunities make a difference in the lives of our students and our communities. We value our relationship with you and look forward to establishing new partnerships that make our Co-op program possible. Thank you!
