Three award-winning students from Edison Academy met with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid on May 18 to talk about their experiences in technical trades and how they are preparing for careers in the field. The discussion was featured in an episode of Our Voices, Our Future.
The conversation focused on how programs at Edison Academy help students bridge the gap between high school and professional work. Students recently participated in SkillsUSA competitions, testing their abilities in areas such as HVAC (heating and cooling systems), Career Pathways (professional career planning), and Internetworking (computer network management).
Mohammad, one of the students, placed at the state level in Program Design, HVAC, and T-Shirt Design. He explained to Dr. Reid that his journey began with a passion for photography. Joining him were Ceaser and Sam, who won gold medals in Career Pathways and Internetworking.
These students are already making steps toward entering the workforce by pursuing degrees or joining unions such as Steamfitters Local 602.
Dr. Reid said, “I think it’s so important that you’re ready for the real world … We certainly need HVAC techs and we need network specialists… The future is really bright.”
The meeting highlights how hands-on experience can lead to opportunities beyond high school for those interested in technical fields.
