By Juan Ibarra/campus editor
Athletes entering college across the U.S. get the chance to have all eyes on them when they sign their letter of intent every year.
When a student gets the opportunity to go play a sport at a school of their choice, it’s highlighted and is all that anyone can talk about for a while.
On Feb. 21, high school students were invited to either NW or South Campus where they hosted the National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day.
This day is made for the students who are taking specialized classes in high school and are looking to pursue careers in more technical fields that aren’t as highly publicized.
“Events like the National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day bring awareness to the wide variety of high-demand technical programs and training that are available at Tarrant County College and at colleges across the nation,” said Kirsten Cooper, NW interim community and industry education vice president.
High school students had the chance to sign up for their career path and decide where they would go. Different pathways were available for students to choose from including law, public safety and security as well as transportation, distribution and logistics. Lake Worth High School student Ernesto Salas was excited about the opportunity to take part in the signing.
“I wanted to experience the signing up front and personal,” he said. “I’m looking to have a career as an automotive technician and in metal fabrication.”
While Salas is one of thousands of students signing into CTE career pathways, he represents many students who are looking to graduate high school and head into careers they have been interested in.
In helping to support the future technical workers, the National Coalition of Certification Centers sponsored the event at TCC.
“By signing incoming students to Letters of Intent, we’re telling them that a place has been reserved for them and that they are valued,” said Roger Tadajewski, NC3’s executive director. “Technical education will prepare them for a strong career.”
Several different technical career companies were at the event for students to ask questions and learn more about career paths.
Education Partnerships manager John Gamble visited NW Campus to speak to the high school students and give some insight.
“I think a lot of times people think of it as ‘he couldn’t get into this school’ so then ‘he or she is going to get into tech ed,’” Gamble said. “We don’t think of it like a consolation prize. We think those are old ways of thinking, and it’s not accurate to where we need to be.”
