LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Dozens of Mercer County students traveled to Allen County on Wednesday to explore career opportunities at a local business.
More than 70 students from Tri Star Career Compact toured ATR Contractors on Elida Road. The students, who are enrolled in welding, construction, and agricultural programs, were given a firsthand look at how their classroom training can translate into real-world careers.
More than 70 students from Tri Star Career Compact toured ATR Contractors on Elida Road.Â
Instructors say visits like these are essential in helping students understand the wide range of opportunities available to them after graduation.
"So my students, when we think of welding, we're not necessarily thinking of HVAC and plumbing, but there's tons of applications in the food industry. He was talking about stainless steel piping, which they do a lot of welding on. There's not a lot of opportunities for that kind of work around our area. So this is just another outlet that students can, you know, pursue after graduation," said Aaron Schmitt the Welding Instructor at Tri Star Career Compact.
Company leaders also emphasized the variety of career paths within the contracting industry, from HVAC and plumbing to fabrication and welding.
Dustin Pohlman President All Temp Refrigeration ATR says,
"Whether it's HVAC work, the plumbing work, or we do some of the fabrication welding. We just want to give them some options, see what contracting looks like, mechanical contracting, and show them our facility. And again, just give them some options, something to think about as they think about what they want to do with their career."
Pohlman also discussed the company’s in-house apprenticeship program, giving students insight into how they can continue their education while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
