HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- As the school year winds down high school seniors across the country are making plans for their future.
On Tuesday, students from the New Horizons Regional Education Centers on the Peninsula took part in a signing day with their new employers. It's a twist to get more young people into technical trades.
Thirty-six seniors accepted jobs from nine companies in that field. That includes automotive, construction, and manufacturing. According to the school, not a lot of young people are looking to go into technical trades.
"They just have a wrong image about the careers, opportunities or even the environment they'll work in. It is truly changed over the last decade, and they have great opportunities in front of them," said Joseph Johnson, executive director.
He said the future grads are a part of the Good Life Solution employment Program. The program follows students first year of employment to track what works and what doesn't for both the student and company.
"I'm going to Comfort Systems. I'm really excited to do something with my life," said Charles Williams.
Not only will these grads earn $12 to $20 an hour, companies will continue to train and provide higher education.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13News Now App.