Port of Los Angeles High School

Welding, Construction, Electrical and Plumbing

Unique Program Components

    • For the past four years, POLAHS has implemented ambitious, successful skilled trades summer programs and continues to expand their scope and take the program to new heights. 
    • Students enrolled in skilled trades pathways during the school year are invited to participate in this rigorous summer program. 
    • Partnering with Dynamic Education, students can pursue advanced journeymen level credentials in welding, construction, electrical and plumbing. 

 

“If you learn how to weld, you can own a company, you can be a contractor, you can be a foreman.’’

Pam Richardson, welding instructor, Port of Los Angeles High School

Port of Los Angeles High School

Students Earn Advanced Skilled Trades Industry-Based Credentials in Construction, Electrical, Plumbing & Welding

Program Highlights

students served since 2021
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skilled trades pathways offered during the summer program
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Program Snapshot

  • Partner Since: 2021
  • Service Area: San Pedro
  • Skilled Trade: Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding
  • 2026 Enrollment: 96 
  • Program Length: six weeks, 92 hours
  • Credentials Offered: American Welding Society (AWS); National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

Unique Program Components

  • POLAHS offers skilled trades pathways during the school year and utilizes the summer for advanced pathways and higher-level industry-based certifications, including journeymen level.
  • Hands-on instruction is led by Dynamic Education at POLAHS and at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles. 
  • In 2026, POLAHS plans to introduce a new Solar pathway and launch a new community impact project for students in Construction – in collaboration with a local nonprofit in San Pedro.
  • POLAHS also plans to relaunch their Career Readiness Academy which provides participating students with durable skills training such as resume building, workplace behavior and interview skills. 

About Port of Los Angeles High School

PUBLIC CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

POLAHS inspires and educates all students by integrating a maritime theme into a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum and pathways in Career Technical Education. It is one of the few high schools in L.A. County that offers multiple skilled trades pathways during the school year, including marine transportation, construction (residential and commercial) and welding.

 
POLAHS website

Video:

Port of Los Angeles High School

“Why wait to get to college or outside of high school to take on this new skill when they can do it in high school and already have a head start,”

Julianna Espinoza, POLAH graduate