Pitman High School’s Office Occupations ROP program held its fourth Annual Career Day last Thursday.
More than two-dozen colleges and businesses were present, giving students the opportunity to gain insight into career fields and further educational opportunities.
“We always make sure and give students a good mixture of business, colleges and military. Today we had more than 700 students participate in Career Day,” said Business Teacher Anna Eshoo.
Some of the organizations included Foster Farms, Bank of America, Costco, WyoTech, Kaplan College, Humphrey’s College, Art Institute, Turlock Irrigation District, Central Valley IBEW Local 684, Turlock Fire Department, Toni & Guy, along with U.S. Army recruiters and many more.
One business, Starbucks, was actively looking to recruit future employees from the event. Turlock Starbucks Managers Shanna Cook (Canal Drive), and Chase Ferro (West Main Street) said they were impressed by some of the questions potential employees were asking.
Ferro, a 2006 PHS Graduate who began working at Starbucks as junior in high school, praised Starbucks as a wonderful company for students.
“This is a good way to educate the students about the opportunities Starbucks can give them,” Ferro said. “We offer flexibility, tuition reimbursement, 401K, health benefits, paid vacation and we work with employees for transfers to other locations.”
Central Valley IBEW Local 684 was also on hand to give students a chance to look into a trades union. IBEW Representative Mark Bowden says Local 684 plans on hiring 15 new apprentices in the coming months. The trades are often an excellent option for graduating seniors, with starting pay nearing $14 an hour plus benefits.
“This is a great opportunity to earn while you learn. The applicant pool can be very competitive. We have 60 applicants right now for 15 apprenticeships,” said Bowden. “But we also offer other employment opportunities as trainees and construction workers.”
For some of students, Career Day could actually lead to a career. Bank of America Senior Personal Banker Joana Morais began her career at Bank of America after attending a Career Day organized by Eshoo at Turlock High School in 2003. Each year she attends the Pitman Career Day to offer students information about careers at Bank of America.
One of the busiest vendors was U.S. Army Recruiter Steven DellaCruz. There was a steady stream of students interested in information about the Army.
“We are just answering student questions about the Army, and if they want they can leave their information and we can help clear up facts about the Army,” said DellaCruz.
The military offers young men and women a wealth of job training in diverse job fields, as well as plentiful pay and benefits. DellaCruz noted the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which offers full tuition coverage and housing allowance for veterans after they leave the service.
