Afternoon visitors to the program labs at Pickaway-Ross may wonder where the seniors are. Those students haven't developed senioritis. Pickaway-Ross seniors are being placed in work-based learning experiences in record numbers.
The regional demands for human resources and skilled workers have opened the door to opportunities for students from every pathway. There are more than 150 seniors on job placement with many being added daily.
Automotive Technology, Diesel & Heavy Truck, Electrical Technology, Outdoor Power and Visual Communication & Design have the majority of seniors on job placement as of this month.
Cosmetology students will be taking state board exams in the weeks ahead and many of them will enter full-time placement once they have passed that test. While many Health Science students remain on campus to earn their Medical Assisting license, several students have been placed in nursing homes and medical facilities.
Perhaps the newest development for Pickaway-Ross students has been the offers pouring in for juniors to begin summer jobs that will continue into job placement during their senior year. In fact, 14 juniors have been offered jobs with the IBEW and several Machining & Manufacturing students will begin gaining experience in a machine shop during the summer.
Aaron McManes, Commercial Carpentry instructor, has scheduled a job fair May 5 with more than a dozen employers committed to attending and offering students employment.
Program instructors not only provide students with the skills they need in the classroom but as the job-placement numbers show, they are preparing them for their careers that will help them contribute to the success and vitality of the local economy.