In order to help close the skills gap and raise awareness of career options in the skilled trades, the Mount Pleasant High School Electrical Program participated in the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, sponsored by Klein Tools, celebrating thousands of high school seniors across the country pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Mount Pleasant High School was one of approximately 300 schools across the U.S. participating in National Signing Day, which recognized over 2,500 students nationwide.
In a style similar to “National Signing Day” events for high school student athletes, eleven high school seniors at Mt. Pleasant High School were recognized as they signed their “letters of intent” for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training. Students were celebrated among school administrators, teachers, SkillsUSA advisors, family and friends, as they take the next step in their education in the electrical field. High school seniors also received a Klein Tools Signing Kit, which included a hat, t-shirt, and their first pair of Klein Tools pliers to begin their lifelong careers.
Those signing included Eloy Castillo, Fernando Martinez, Giovanni Hipolito, Christian Rodriguez and Jonathan Vega with Cummings Electric in Fort Worth; Edward Gonzalez and Nicolas Ramirez with Eubanks Electric in Lone Star; Armando Almendarez with Circle S Electric in Gilmer; Fernando Cordova with Independent Electrical Contractors in Tyler; Marvy Martinez with Tyler Junior College; and Adrian Gomez with Texas State Technical College in Marshall.
“We are thrilled we were able to partner with SkillsUSA and Klein Tools’ for the first-ever National Signing Day,” says Karl Whitehurst, Assistant Principal and CTE Director at Mount Pleasant High School. “As the shortage of skilled workers worsens, we at MPHS encourage students to enter this rewarding industry upon graduation. Our seniors should be very proud of everything they have accomplished at MPHS as they continue to further their education and training post-graduation. We wish them all the best as they prepare for their lifelong careers.”
“This was an exciting day for our students as they committed to careers in the skilled trades,” says Tim Davis, SkillsUSA advisor at Mount Pleasant High School. “These seniors have worked hard over the years to prepare for this next chapter of their life. Through their education at Mt. Pleasant ISD, our seniors understand the hard work needed to be successful in the trades. This recognition is very well deserved to each and every one of them.”
“The first National Signing Day was a success thanks to Mt. Pleasant High School and its students,” says Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools. “Best of luck to these students as they enter the skilled trades to start their careers with their first pair of Klein Tools pliers.”
For more information on National Signing Day, visit: www.kleintools.com/nsd.