x
Breaking News
More () »

Chula Vista students explore alternative paths to college

It's Career Exploration Day and 60 Chula Vista students received hands-on experience with construction and other related industries.

SAN DIEGO — Sixty Chula Vista students are getting hands-on experience with construction and other related industries to learn what career they may want to have someday.

Students from Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High School are going through a series of 30-minute workshops inside the AGC Apprenticeship & Training in Lakeside. The workshops include interactive sessions on drone technology, carpentry, plumbing, framing, and more.

"I like that it’s a hands-on activity and I get to explore this otherwise I wouldn't if I wouldn’t have been here," said Diego Rivera, Junior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High School. "It's nice to get out of my comfort zone and do something with my hands."

The non-profit Workforce Connect partnered with Junior Achievement of San Diego, a course students take to learn about entrepreneurship and career readiness to make this all happen. 

"I didn’t know what I wanted to do. You know what? This will actually help me with what I want to do in life," said Nayeli Robles, Junior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter High School. 

It's all to show students in underserved communities careers in these fields can provide a variety of well-paid future opportunities, as well as alternative pathways to college. 

"I think they are all excited. They see things and think, 'Oh, that may be cool and I think that may be what I want to do.' Becoming a tradesperson; there is great money. We need those jobs, not just in Chula Vista, but all throughout the state, and it's another option that not everybody goes to college," said Mayor of Chula Vista, John McCann. 

"It's an overall great experience!" said Robles.

WATCH RELATED: '13th grade' | Southwestern College looks to break stigma with growing curriculum

Before You Leave, Check This Out