COLORADO SPRINGS – Some El Paso County students had the chance to take a look at another post high school option besides going to college.
HPE hosted students Friday from Calhan, Mitchell and Atlas Prep schools. The visit all a part of National Apprenticeship Week.
“Some people want to go to college and that’s fine,” said Jon-Paul Kennel, Director of production and apprenticeship at HPE. “But some people like to work with their hands and some people like to be out and about and not stuck in an office building.”
During the day students had the opportunity to get hands on with construction equipment and see demonstrations about electric and sheet metal careers. There was also a panel set up for students to ask questions.
One of the man points of the event, to make students aware that apprenticeship programs exist. During an apprenticeship, students take night classes a couple of night classes a week, all while working and making money. That means students can get a four-year degree and then enter the workforce making $52,00 and be debt free.
“This gives those types of individuals an opportunity to do that and make a good living doing it,” Kennel said.
