Gateway holds annual skilled trades, career fair
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Gateway High School in Monroeville hosted its fourth annual Skilled Trades and Career Fair May 1, giving students a chance to meet with representatives from post-secondary skilled trades programs, apprenticeships and employers.
School counselor Colleen Tortorella, who organizes several field trips for students each year, said the school has wonderful support from local programs.
“We have a ‘you come to us, and we’ll come to you’ type of relationship,” she said.
“Developing and maintaining community connections is vital,” said counselor Kurt Martin, who attributes Tortorella with promoting those relationships that “organically continued to grow.”
Martin hopes that students will begin to see the various options out there for them after high school.
“We hope it turns the light on, gives them a spark,” he said.
Representatives from more than 30 programs were on hand to talk to students about enrollment, educational goals, financial aid applications, career opportunities and training.
“Going through everything like this, let’s you know there’s other choices out there,” said junior Donovan Blanton.
“When I have a job, I want to be proud and happy with what I do,” said Blanton, a supervisor at Urban Air Trampoline Park and Adventure Park in North Huntingdon. He plans to become a heavy machine operator after high school.
According to Rebecca Rice and Ashley Skoog, both Gateway graduates, Allegheny County Parks is hiring lifeguards to work at Boyce, North and South Parks this summer.
“Lifeguarding can carry over to winter work,” said Rice, who said employment is available at the ski lodge at Boyce Park and the skating rinks and North and South parks.
Terri Rider and Andrew Brillo, instructors at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science Technology,said the school offers multiple one-year programs, such as medical assistants and welding.
“I believe students should consider these programs before a four-year college,” said Rider. “The overhead is less and, if you do choose to go on to a traditional college, you can use the knowledge you’ve already received.”
Rider said trade jobs are in high demand.
“Most students are offered jobs before they are out of school,” Rider said.
Carlos Chueca and Emily Chavez-Morales represented the nonprofit organization Latino Community Center.
“Our goal is to connect with the Latino population to give them a community here in Pittsburgh and provide them with resources,” Chueca said.
The Latino Community Center helps students explore opportunities after high school and offers monthly educational workshops on topics such as completing FAFSA forms and resume writing.
Other representatives in attendance included AHN Network, CCAC, Triangle Tech, Steamfitters Local 499, Empire Beauty School, Monroeville Parks Recreation, UPMC Schools of Nursing and Carpenters Training Facility.
“The skilled trades are prime in this area,” said Tortorella. “We are right off the turnpike and there are plenty of opportunities for our students to work right here in Monroeville.”