Monday, December 01, 2008

By Michelle Hatfield
mhatfield@modbee.com

last updated: October 06, 2008 06:41:34 AM

In groups of five and six, Ceres High School students recently huddled around work benches in leather jackets, long gloves and welding masks. Sparks flew, as students exclaimed "Cooooool" and "Whoa."

The students were learning to start an arc -- the flame used to melt the metals while welding.

Freshman Erik Bracamontes wants to get a job as a mechanic, while freshman Dalton Stephens hopes to become an underwater welder.

"It's a fun experience, you get to learn life skills and go on to college," Bracamontes said.

Students are excited about the college units they accrue while taking classes in the manufacturing "Fast Track," a partnership between Ceres High, Modesto Junior College and area employers. Students earn a semester's worth of MJC units, and need only a year at MJC to earn a manufacturing certificate.

"There's a misconception that you need to go to college to make a living wage," said Michael Corsaut, career center learning director at the Ceres Unified School District.

Manufacturing includes assembly- or production-line operators, mechanics and welders, with hourly wages of $13 to $20.

Close to 100 students signed up for the program's inaugural year.

An hour before the welding class, other Ceres High students split into threes and spent time starting up small engines, similar to those used in golf carts or paper shredders. The smell of gas and oil filled the small auto shop, and the noise of vibrating motors and sputtering air bounced off the metal walls.

At a work bench, freshman Sara Macedo waited in line before her team could test its engine. Teacher Al Azevedo wanted all groups to make sure their engines worked before they took them apart.

"(The program) gives me college credit so I can get a head start in college," she said.

Although she wants to pursue a career in law enforcement as a parole or probation officer, Macedo said, "It's always good to know the basics. And I have a backup (career)."

Officials hope that Ceres High's four manufacturing specialities -- small engines, computers-robotics, electrical and welding -- will provide a steady flow of students into those careers.

"Students think they can just drop out of school and get a job at a local manufacturer. But the jobs that are going unfilled are the ones technical in skill," said Jan Ennenga, executive director of the Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley.

The pipeline has become even more crucial as employers prepare for a sizable number of retirements within the next decade.

The pathway is part of a movement to require rigorous academics that meet college entrance requirements, and provide options for everyone, not just university-bound students.

"We want to keep kids in schools, keep them excited about school," Corsaut said. "They need to see the relevance in their education."

Another goal of career technical education is to stop the hemorrhaging of students who leave high school at a rate of 10 percent to 30 percent, according to estimates.

"We're trying to give them the options and information so they can make informed decisions," Corsaut said.

The 50-minute classes start with a short lecture, then hands-on teaching and projects. Small engines students take apart engines and put them back together. Welders will design and make metal pieces.

The pathway is the first Manufacturing "Fast Track" program in the Central Valley. It's the only fast-track manufacturing pathway in the state that pairs a high school with a junior college, said Jay Simmonds, director of career technical education at Ceres Unified. MJC instructors helped develop the curriculum and provide equipment and technology.

Many of MJC's manufacturing students are older people returning to school, said Pedro Mendez, director of MJC's technical education program.

"What we're lacking is a consistent flow of young students," he said. "We're also shortening the cycle. Instead of graduating high school, then working for three to five years, then coming to MJC, now they'll go straight to MJC. We want them to get educated early."

Companies also provide support, offering career expertise, interviewing tips, plant tours and guest speakers. Partners include Frito Lay, Pacific Southwest Containers, Foster Farms, Fastenal and JM Equipment.

E.&J. Gallo Winery officials said it was too soon to comment on the program's benefits. Other attempts to contact participating companies were unsuccessful.

Manufacturing represents the third-largest segment of employees in Stanislaus County, with 12 percent of workers holding manufacturing jobs, according to the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance.

Azevedo, the welding and small engines teacher, is in his 30th year teaching technical education classes at Ceres High. Though he comes from the old-school wood and auto shops, he has big plans for the new and improved career pathways.

"It's going to give them insight into things that will be important to them later on when they get into industry," he said. "Students have fun, so they have something to come to school for. They're turned on by learning."

Bee staff writer Michelle Hatfield can be reached at mhatfield@modbee.com or 578-2339.

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