North Augusta High School Students Showcase Tech Skills

News Summary

Students from North Augusta High School highlighted their information technology skills during the SRNS IT Youth Apprenticeship Breakfast on February 13. This event allowed budding tech enthusiasts to display their abilities to parents, community members, and industry experts. The program, in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Aiken County Public Schools, equips students with practical skills, provides a salary, and enhances their career readiness through hands-on learning opportunities. With increased demand for tech professionals, the program is designed to create a strong talent pipeline for the future.

North Augusta High School Students Shine at SRNS IT Youth Apprenticeship Breakfast

In the vibrant community of North Augusta, excitement was in the air as students from North Augusta High School showcased their impressive skills in information technology at the annual SRNS IT Youth Apprenticeship Breakfast. Held on February 13, this engaging event provided a perfect platform for these budding tech enthusiasts to demonstrate their abilities in front of parents, community members, and industry professionals.

A Talented Display of Skills

Among the highlights of the morning was student Jacob Lott, who skillfully demonstrated how to assemble a computer. This hands-on experience is just one of the many opportunities provided by the SRNS IT Youth apprenticeship program. It allows students to translate their classroom learning into real-world applications. Senior Alejandro Aguirre-Hernandez took the stage as well, showcasing his talent for fixing computers, proving that these apprentices are truly equipped to tackle real-life tech challenges.

Insights from Program Leaders

A panel discussion featured influential voices including Tim Arnold, the Enterprise End User Services Manager at SRNS, and North Augusta High School teacher Michelle O’Rourke. They highlighted the significant impact the apprenticeship program has on students and emphasized its role in shaping their career aspirations. O’Rourke, in particular, shared the multitude of opportunities that have unfolded for students since the program was launched in the school four years ago.

Hands-On Learning and Career Readiness

What makes the SRNS IT Youth apprenticeship program uniquely valuable is its collaboration with Dell Technologies and Aiken County Public Schools. Students not only learn crucial skills such as computer repair and effective communication but also earn a salary for their efforts. Upon completing the program, they receive a Department of Labor certificate, giving them a competitive edge as they pursue future career opportunities.

Addressing Workforce Needs

Oscar Rushton, a Career and Technology Center CTE specialist, discussed how the program aims to address high-demand job areas. With an eye toward the future, Abigail Bowman, the lead for the apprenticeship program, projected that the Savannah River Site will need around 9,000 new hires in the next 9 to 10 years. This foresight underscores the importance of creating a robust talent pipeline to meet workforce requirements.

Balancing Academics with Real-World Experience

For students like Alejandro Aguirre-Hernandez, the apprenticeship is more than just a career-builder; it’s a chance to balance passion with education. Aguirre-Hernandez made the decision to extend his high school experience to join the program, dedicating time to both his studies and extracurricular activities such as tennis and Beta Club. In doing so, he has reaped the benefits of acquiring vital skills while gaining real-world experience.

Enhancing Future Career Prospects

Jacob Lott found out about the apprenticeship through SRNS representatives who visited his computer class. Like Aguirre-Hernandez, he juggles his involvement in the program with responsibilities at Chick-fil-A. The combination has not only equipped him with practical skills but also enhanced his social development. He viewed the program as a valuable opportunity to bolster his resume with hands-on experience and certification, both of which are vital for his future career path.

Expanding Opportunities for More Students

With the apprenticeship’s proven success, there is good news for aspiring tech students—more slots are being made available for participation. The program allows youth apprentices to earn wages while gaining professional skills, and they can also receive work-based learning credits that count towards their diplomas. To participate, students must meet specific criteria: they must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and have parental permission.

All in all, the SRNS IT Youth apprenticeship program is not just about teaching students how to fix computers; it is about lighting a path for their futures in the ever-evolving world of technology. North Augusta is fortunate to have such a forward-thinking initiative that not only enhances student learning but also strengthens the community’s workforce for years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: North Augusta High School Students Shine at SRNS IT Youth Apprenticeship Breakfast
• WFXG: Aiken Tech Launching Free Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Future Construction Workers
• Post and Courier: North Augusta Pottery – Tire City Local Story
• CSX: Working at CSX
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship