Calvert students take part in SkillsUSA signing day

Calvert County Public Schools’ Career and Technology Academy graduates took part in the annual SkillsUSA National Signing Day in the Trades event May 7 at Calvert High School.

The event is a co-curricular Career and Technical Student organization dedicated to supporting students in becoming skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members, recognized 99 graduates students and saw 99 graduates sign.

“This event is an important reminder to us all that success follows many paths,” said CTA Principal Carrie Akins, who added the event is important as a way to recognize individual students, but also to highlight the importance and role of careers in the trades, said in a news release. “This event is an important reminder to us all that success follows many paths. I hope our community is as excited about the opportunities that these students have prepared for as we are,”

During the event, students signed symbolic letters of intent to pursue careers across a variety of skilled trades, including construction fields, healthcare, information technology, culinary arts, cosmetology, the United States Military and more.

“The partnership between Steamfitters Local 602 and Calvert Career & Technology Academy has been fantastic,” Steamfitters Local 602 Business Agent Tom Gifford said in the release. “We get some of the best candidates for our apprenticeship program through CTA. Many of the previous students from CTA have graduated from our apprenticeship program and are enjoying fulfilling careers in the HVAC and Pipefitting Industries,” stated Gifford. He added, “The National Signing day event positively promotes the fact that you do not need to attend a four year university to be successful and earn family sustaining wages and benefits.”

“To say we are proud of these students is definitely an understatement,” Akins said. “I am excited for the roles they will be filling in our community which ensures that we are well-sustained as a county and region for years to come.”

For more information the Calvert County CTA, go to www.cta.calvertnet.k12.md.us, or to learn more about sponsoring an internship or apprenticeship opportunity or how to partner with the school, call CTA Principal Carrie Akins at 443-550-9940.