2024MarchApril-CJ - 18

FEATURE
together and treated each other like
family, " said Jonathan Purkett, a senior at
Industrial Systems Technology Pathway.
Jonathan plans to study electrical
engineering at a four-year college when
he graduates. " I want to become an
engineer that creates something new that
could potentially change the world. "
At the end of the tour, Rocky Mount
Radiator's team opened the floor for
questions. " Many of the students were
interested (and also surprised) at the
salaries that are possible in our field, "
said Braswell. " They were interested in
the technology we use in every facet of
our business, and the training necessary
to do this kind of work. Also there were
safety questions; most were surprised to
learn about our monthly mandatory staff
safety meetings. "
" I like the fact that they had many
different jobs for people of different skills
all in one place, " said Isaac Sevilla-Castro,
who is in the 11th grade. " They had jobs for
mechanics, welders, and even salesmen. "
Isaac says he's familiar with the heating
and cooling industry, because both his
uncle and father work in that field. His
brother also teaches about HVAC systems
as a college instructor. But ultimately,
Isaac says, he would like to become an
electrician. " My mind is set on being an
electrician, so that I can do something
different in the family. "
Kimberly Rascoe is the principal at CITI
High School, which opened its doors in
2018. " Our first class graduated 2023 with
40% of the students completing their
Associate's Degree. We have 75% of the
students earn one or more certification in
their pathway. "
This was the second time Rocky Mount
Radiator hosted students from CITI
High School. The company has also had
two rounds of job shadowing where
employees bring in a handful of students
for more hands-on experience and
training.
Is it worth the time and effort? Braswell
says absolutely. " The interaction with
our students, whether in group tours
or individual instruction, has been
tremendously successful. So far we
have hired three students from these
programs. Two are still here, and one has
since entered the US Navy. All three are
staring at a bright future in the workplace
and community. "
NARSA Member Radiator Supply House
also recently had local students tour its
offices in Oregon. " Radiator Supply House
is one of the largest private employers
in Sweet Home and because of this, we
have a spotlight on the company from the
community, " said Radiator Supply House's
owner Will Garrett.
This stop was part of the Sweet Home
Forestry and Natural Resources program,
which started in 2018. According to Blake
Manley, a teacher at Sweet Home High
School, the program exposes students
to different paths through 7-12 career
learning field trips each year.
" We wanted young people to see that
they have so many options to choose
from, " said Manley. " College is an option.
Technical schools are great options. For
many of my students, straight to the
workforce in a field they are interested
in, is also an option. I also realized a long
time ago that young people don't know
certain careers exist if they don't see
them. Each year, we place between 20-30
students into the industry who, in my
opinion, came into high school without
any real direction. "
16 | THE COOLING JOURNAL | March/April 2024
2024MarchApril-CJ

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