John Mendez wants to make a name for himself and his family as an electrician in Indian River County.
Students completed 6 hours of hands-on and classroom forklift training issued by Florida Training Services. Pictured: Devon (18) driving a forklift, tasked with picking up and moving a pallet. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY
The 17-year-old, who was homeschooled, is ready to take on the world, showing off skills he learned during a free, pre-apprenticeship program held for eight months at Vero Beach High School.
A huge smile lights up his face as he ponders his passion for electrical engineering. It’s a skill he said he is able to understand easily.
“Who doesn’t want to put power in a house? Who doesn’t want to wake up in the morning and flip their light switch on,” Mendez said. “I see myself pursuing this career.”
The Vero Beach teen was among 16 students who recently received 144 hours of hands-on training and classroom instruction from trade industry professionals, thanks to the pre-apprenticeship program provided by the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy.
The pupils learned the basics of repairing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, along with skills in welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work.
Students Trevon (19, left) and Zayd (age 16, right) cutting along their guides for their little house project. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY
“We started with carpentry, learned how to use a hammer and a nail, put wood together and make something from it. We learned how a light switch is connected to a light bulb. They showed us how the HVAC works, plumbing, and how to put parts together. Plumbing is some dirty work but it gives good pay,” Mendez said.
“This isn’t an opportunity a lot of people get. Being able to work hands-on was a big part of how much we learned.”
The students received certificates from the Florida Department of Education for completing the program. Such pre-apprenticeship programs nationwide are credited with routing high school students toward trade career-oriented learning versus traditional coursework.
The youth also earned certifications from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration – which teaches workers about safety and health hazards on the job – along with the National Construction Center for Education Research. The National Construction Center is an educational foundation nonprofit with an internationally recognized curriculum approved by the Florida State Board of Education and utilized by local colleges and universities, organizers say.
In the HVAC unit, Instructor Johnny Herron introduces students to the process of brazing two metals. Pictured left to right: Zayd (16), Bradley (17), Devon (18), John (age 17), and Johnny Herron. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY
The future trade workers even obtained first-aid and CPR certifications during their coursework and received forklift operator permits, according to the academy.
Families gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements at a graduation ceremony held May 16 at the Community Church Chapel in Vero Beach. Even though the pre-apprenticeship program has ended, instructors will still help students by providing mentorship and connecting them with possible job opportunities or trade schools, such as Indian River State College and Treasure Coast Technical College.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and for the community who has extended their hands to help the next family,” said John Mendez’ mother Maria Mendez, of Vero Beach. “These men and women poured into the next generation of workers. It’s definitely a blessing and a privilege.”
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy partners with the School District of Indian River County to provide the classes at Vero Beach High School. The program, launched in 2021, is made possible through supporters and donors including the Blair Family Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Indian River County’s Children’s Services Advisory Committee (CSAC), Mary Lewisy and Richard Schlitt, according to the academy.
Field experts provided the training all in an effort to expose youth to the trade industry, a non-traditional route that has become more popular with students in recent years.
Pictured: Devon (18) unscrewing the lid to an AC unit. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY
Observers say such a move could help high school students and young adults net higher-paying careers with job security and avoid the mounting student loan debt associated with four-year colleges or universities.
“There’s multiple pathways students can take to find success. These are unique programs that the school (district) system doesn’t offer. The only way to advance in these specific careers are through apprenticeship programs,” School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David Moore said. “When the opportunity came three or four years ago for us to partner with Youth Guidance to provide the program, it was an absolute no-brainer for us.”
With the certifications, students can move on to joining apprenticeship programs – which last up to six years – that allow them to work in trades, sharpen up skills, and get paid.
“(The pre-apprenticeship program) allows them to get the initial certification, then go get the actual job through the apprenticeship,” Moore said.
Students try their hand at welding, while learning the ins and outs to stick, MIG, and TIG welding. Pictured: Carlos (age 16), practices welding two pieces of metal. PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY
Students go to work full-time in the trade of their choosing with an employer who sponsors them in the apprenticeship program, according to the academy. Apprentices work for the employer during the day and attend classes at night that are taught by skilled journey workers, who are highly experienced professionals in their trades.
After completing the apprenticeship, students graduate, get certified in their trades and become journey workers themselves, said carpentry instructor James Buttonow.
Buttonow said journey workers can obtain state licenses or even create their own companies. The carpentry expert thanked students for sticking throughout the program.
“They have no idea what they did to change my life,” said Buttonow, a former teacher from New York who moved to Vero Beach three years ago. “To graduate 16 of them is an amazing thing. Now it’s up to them to ask us and say ‘I’m ready for the next step.’”
Moore’s advice to students as they prepare to enter the workforce: don’t settle.
“Always strive to do more,” Moore said. “Always look for other opportunities to continue to enhance your skills and provide for your families.”
The Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is accepting applications for 25 people, ages 17 to 25, to participate in the pre-apprenticeship program this fall. More information on the program can be found on the academy’s website.
Photos provided by Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
