In a world where the path to success is often portrayed as a one-size-fits-all journey through college, Napavine High School is breaking the mold. On Signing Day 2024, the school proudly celebrated its students who are taking a different route—one that leads directly into promising careers through apprenticeships.
A Step Ahead with AJAC Apprenticeships
Jadon Hansen, an AJAC Youth Apprentice, articulated the excitement shared by many students: “Not every kid’s going to go to college. So to be able to have this opportunity to figure out what I’m going to do while I’m still in high school really puts me a step ahead of a lot of kids. To have this opportunity to get paid while I work and learn how to do a job that I want to do almost sounded too good to be true when I first heard about it.”
Jadon’s sentiments echo a growing realization that college isn’t the only path to a successful and fulfilling career. Through the AJAC apprenticeship program, students like Jadon are gaining hands-on experience, earning while they learn, and stepping into industries with high demand for skilled labor.
Bridging the Gap Between School and Work
David Rutherford, the CTE Director at Napavine High School, highlighted the transformative potential of the program. “I have watched for years and years and years students that junior, senior year they’ve kind of struggled with why am I at school? What am I doing? I’m ready to go to work. And so the ability for them to get high school credit to be able to go to work, get trained, and start their careers is just a really exciting thing that I wish we had 20 years ago.”
This innovative approach not only keeps students engaged in their education but also equips them with valuable skills and work experience that positions them well ahead of their peers.
A Community Effort
Nichole Seick, HR Manager at Braun Northwest, spoke about the unique benefits of bringing apprentices into their workforce. “I think the thing that’s the most exciting about apprenticeships is that we are bringing on skilled candidates. We have used interns in the past, and unfortunately, there’s not as much training that occurs prior to coming through the door at Braun. With this apprenticeship, they’re actually going to bring skills with them and then we get to help grow and nurture them.”
Braun Northwest, a company that produces custom emergency vehicles, is set to welcome two apprentices. Jadon will join the electrical department, and Patience will work in the fabrication department. Nichole emphasized the enthusiasm and community ties that these apprentices bring, which she finds incredibly promising for their future contributions to the company.
Inspiring Future Generations
Jadon’s excitement about being a trailblazer is palpable. “It’s really amazing the fact that I get to be the first generation, I guess, of kids in our area doing this. I’m really hoping that we set a good example because this could make careers for kids in the future. I could be helping a fifth grader find a job right now and not even know.”
This sentiment is shared by the community and school leaders, who see Signing Day not just as a celebration of the present but as an investment in the future. “Signing day to me is the culmination of a year of work and talking and working with businesses and groups and organizations,” said David Rutherford. “It’s a community commitment towards these students and their futures.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The excitement surrounding Signing Day 2024 at Napavine High School is a testament to the power of community, innovation, and the willingness to explore new paths to success. As these students embark on their apprenticeships, they are not just starting jobs—they are paving the way for future generations, showcasing that there are many roads to a fulfilling career.
With the support of AJAC, Napavine High School, and forward-thinking businesses like Braun Northwest and Walsh Trucking, these young apprentices are set to achieve great things, proving that the future of skilled labor is bright, innovative, and full of opportunity.
