On May 7, all 15 graduating seniors of the Industrial Technology program at Guernsey-Sunrise High School in Wyoming, were recognized at a SkillsUSA Signing Day event.
Of this year’s graduating seniors:
- Five will go to Casper College to pursue training in welding, pharmacy, occupational therapy, x-ray technology, and nursing
- Four will enter the workforce in the fields of construction and electrical mechanics
- Two will go to Eastern Wyoming College to pursue veterinary technician training
- Two will go to Laramie County Community College for diesel mechanics, welding, and crime scene investigation training
- One will pursue electrical work through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
- One will apprentice with Hensel Phelps Construction
“Our seniors are aware of the careers available to them because we have strong partnerships allowing students to meet professionals in the trades. We set them up with internships and apprenticeships that benefit both the students and the industry professionals,” says their teacher Troy Reichert, a 2019 winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. “We have a high number of students who want to work with their hands. They know that right now the skilled trades jobs are in high demand and pay well.”
Reichert’s program consists of CAD, construction, woodworking, and welding. All courses are dual-enrollment courses with Eastern Wyoming College (EWC), providing students with valuable and transferable college credits.
Reichert also teaches a 12-week class that seniors are required to take called #That’sLife. Reichert says that this course covers lessons seniors have expressed they “wish they would have learned in school.” In this class, he covers basic maintenance to vehicles and housing, as well as insurance, filling out applications, and how to interview.
“Mr. Reichert’s program has provided me with multiple skills in life that have already helped me out tremendously,” says Aidan Noggle, who will apprentice with Hensel Phelps.
