East High School students interested in the trades now have another pathway to get hands-on experience and certifications before they graduate.
Thanks to the support of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 663, this new four-year program will prepare Kansas City Public Schools students for careers in the heavy equipment trade. Starting their freshman year, students will work directly with industry professionals to gain experience in job-specific tasks such as concrete pouring and earn relevant certifications, including forklift operations.
Upon graduation, students will be able to transition directly into high-paying jobs with the Union that support them and their families. From there, the possibilities for promotion and growth are endless.
Already, 80 East High students have signed up for the program. Along the way, they will be equipped with everything they need to succeed, including industry-standard work boots.
For some, the journey to the trades is a clear path forward. For others, a program like this gives them the chance to explore their options as they decide between trade school, a college or a university, or another option entirely. What matters most is that the opportunity is available, and Kansas City Public Schools is beyond proud to offer it.
This robust program for prospective construction craft laborers is joined by East High's other growing technical education program—Agricultural Education.
Students in Agriculture Education work directly with livestock such as goats, sheep, and chickens, maintain a greenhouse and grounds full of plants and crops, delve into food science, and more. They get to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world tasks that challenge their creativity, problem solving, and understanding of the world. They leave East High ready for what's next, and that's exactly what this new program is designed to do, too.
Thank you to LiUNA Local 663, Manual Career and Technical Education, East High School, and all the school and district leaders who helped make this program a reality.
Read more of this story from KCTV5 news, who was there for the launch of the program. East High School Principal Bryan Vanosdale, CTE Director Dr. April Adams, KCPS Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collier, and LiUNA Local 663 President Jason Mendenhall spoke about their goals for the program and the opportunity it brings students as long as they are willing to work hard to pursue it.
