Three Columbus Bishop Ready High School seniors are proving that success can take students down different paths.
This fall, Alex Hickey, Sam Carney and Kayla Finigan will attend the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Troy, Ohio, where they will complete an intensive 10-month welding program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. Upon completion, students receive job placement assistance, helping launch careers in one of the nation’s most in-demand industries.
Growing labor shortages in recent years in skilled trades can make careers in welding and other technical fields appealing. Skilled trades offer strong job security, competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. The careers also provide students a chance to learn through hands-on experience and practical application.
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For Finigan, the decision became even more exciting knowing she would be attending alongside familiar faces.
“It definitely makes the transition less intimidating, knowing I’ll be there with my friends,” she shared. “We’ve already supported each other through high school, so it’s nice knowing we’ll continue that while learning something new.”
Carney said the trade appealed to him because of the opportunity to work with his hands each day. “I’ve always enjoyed building things and being active instead of sitting behind a desk,” he explained. “I like seeing the results of the work I put in.”
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Hickey was drawn to the idea of gaining real-world experience immediately. “I wanted to learn while actually doing the work,” he said. “The opportunity to train for a career and get into the workforce quickly is important to me.”
The three seniors exemplified that rarely is there a one-size-fits-all approach to life after high school graduation. Whether students choose college, military service, trade school or direct entry into the workforce, success often comes upon selecting a path that matches their skills, passions and goals.