Albuquerque Public Schools
Students Explore Diverse Career Paths at APS Skilled Trades Fair
Event showcases opportunities in trades, law enforcement, health care, and more.
Valley High School student Logan Arp hasn’t quite made up his mind about what career he’ll pursue after graduating, but he’s leaning toward the trades.
On Tuesday, he and several hundred students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers at the APS Apprenticeship Council’s High School Grades 2 Skilled Trades Fair held at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center. The fair attracted prospective employers from throughout the city and state, all of them eager to discuss opportunities in their fields.
Sandia Laboratories was there, bringing along a robotics dog students were allowed to operate. Wagner showed up with an excavator and other heavy machinery. Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Bernalillo County Fire Department showed up with a giant ladder truck and a heavy technical rescue truck.
Those interested in working in New Mexico’s burgeoning early childhood industry were told about scholarships and stipends available to them. Students considering a career in the medical field were told about the many options available through Pima Medical Institute and the UNM College of Pharmacy.
The Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police provided information about law enforcement jobs. Representatives from the Air National Guard and U.S. Army were also on hand to discuss the many opportunities they offer.
George Kerr, the APS Work-Based Learning Coordinator, said career fairs like this are critically important for students.
“These vendors, these sponsors, these employers are offering students options for their futures,” he said. “Some of these students don’t realize how much money they can make right after high school. They don’t have to go to college. They can go into one of these trades and make some really nice money.”
Staff Sgt. Craig Myers told students about opportunities in the trades through the Army, including becoming a Black Hawk mechanic. He also stressed they could pick the job they want to pursue before signing a contract.
The Rich Ford booth was another popular destination for students as Jerome Trujillo discussed the many opportunities available in the automotive industry.
“Ford is going to be losing around 10,000 technicians in the next five years,” Trujillo said, explaining that’s why his company has made it a priority to inform students about jobs available to them.
Many students wanted to know about the earnings potential in the automotive industry.
Trujillo said entry-level technicians earn $17 an hour, but those who are “super certified” can make $65 an hour, or roughly $135,000 a year. He said there are even more opportunities for those wanting to become Ford Motor Company designers or engineers.
“Lots of advantages,” he said.
Anthony Lozada, an Eldorado High School junior, said he’s seriously considering pursuing a career with Rich Ford. He noted the great salaries master technicians earn.
Lozado, who is already taking automotive classes at Eldorado, said he’s also considering a career as a diesel technician.
Arp, the Valley High sophomore leaning toward a career in the trades, is also considering becoming a diesel mechanic or perhaps a welder. But he was grateful to learn about all the other opportunities available.
He was happy to hear he could pursue a career in the trades and also become a part-time firefighter to earn extra money. A career in law enforcement also piqued his interest.
“The police department, they have a lot of cool stuff,” Arp said. “You can expand in the police department. You don’t have to stay in one department.”
Beyond learning about careers and potential salaries, Arp was also interested in retirement packages and pension plans.
“I still have two years,” he later added. “So trying to pick.”
It was Arp’s first time at an APS trades fair, and he said it was definitely worthwhile.
“It gives kids opportunities to find their path.”