Luis Carreno is a Waukegan High School senior working part-time for a big box retailer. With graduation less than a month away, he sees a potential career as a sheet welder.
“The pay is good, and they pay you to go to school, too, he said. “They said they would teach us everything we need to know. This has really helped me get some ideas. I’m going to keep looking.”
Carreno was one of 1,500 Waukegan High School juniors and seniors who learned about potential careers after high school during a Waukegan Tech/Trade Fair Friday at the Washington campus, learning about careers from more than 60 potential employers.
Chad McMillin, a counselor at the high school, said he organized the event at the Washington campus where the juniors and seniors attend so they could learn about good skilled jobs which are both available and in demand.
“Waukegan students are struggling, especially these past two years,” he said. “I wanted to do something for them. They are good workers, and I want (employers) to see that. Not everyone is college material.”
Potential employers ranged from local manufacturers like Medline and AbbVie, to union representatives, to real estate companies, to the Waukegan police and fire departments, to military recruiters from multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Several labor unions had representatives at the event, including Paul Brown of the Mid American Carpenters Regional Council. He said an apprentice can earn $42,307 their first year, and by the time they become a journeyman after five years they can expect to earn more than $100,000 annually.
“It’s not just about building buildings,” Brown said. “There are a lot of other things. We pay them while they’re learning. We offer health care benefits now, and when you retire. That’s very important.”
Valeria Pacheco, a high school junior, said she was impressed talking to representatives of AbbVie. She liked the pay offered and the types of skilled-labor jobs the global, North Chicago-based pharmaceutical manufacturer had available.
Jeremy Picard was one of three people at the event representing AbbVie. He said anyone 17 or older was eligible for a summer internship, which means there is an immediate opportunity for juniors.
Picard said summer internships for skilled laborers included opportunities for plumbers/pipe fitters, HVAC and industrial mechanics. While the internship can lead to a career, it is also a chance to see what working there is like.
“We offer summer internships with our skilled trade team,” he said. “It gives them a chance to see if this is something for them.”
Ashley Vasquez, a high school senior, said the idea of working for the fire department as a firefighter or paramedic appeals to her.
“I am interested in health issues as an EMT,” she said. “I like that I will be helping people.”
McMillin said he also invited representatives from the Glen Flora, Northmoor, Exmoor and Shoreacres country clubs. He said caddying is a good opportunity for students seeking a summer job. It also has networking potential.
“They get to rub elbows with a lot of important people,” McMillin said. “They will see the kids are hard workers who will get up early to carry their bags around the course. They can make real good contacts.”
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