Event recognizes students who have committed to working in industrial trades sector
Media contact: CeCe Todd, (480) 461-4032
The East Valley Institute of Technology will celebrate students who have committed to working in the industrial trades during a National Signing Day 2019 event at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 at the Dr. A. Keith Crandell (Main) Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa.
Klein Tools and Home Depot are partnering with SkillsUSA, a national career and technical student organization, to sponsor National Signing Day, which recognizes students who are training for careers in the skilled trades, an industry sector with a severe labor shortage.
Students from EVIT’s Welding, Diesel, HVAC, Plumbing, Construction and Precision Machining programs will participate in National Signing Day. So far, about 40 Arizona employers have hired more than 60 EVIT industrial trades students. About 40 students and 24 employers will take part in Wednesday’s Signing Day event. Students who have committed to returning to EVIT next year or to continuing on to post-secondary education in the industrial trades will also be recognized.
Similar to signing day events for student athletes, each EVIT student will be applauded as they sign “letters of intent” for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced training. They will also receive a hat, T-shirt, pair of Klein Tools pliers, and the opportunity to purchase a full Klein Tools starter set at a discounted price from Home Depot.
SkillsUSA estimates that there will be 3.4 million new manufacturing jobs available by 2025.
“Right now, six out of 10 open skilled production positions are unfilled due to the shortage of workers,” said Klein Tools Co-President Mark Klein. “Klein Tools is committed to strengthening the skilled workforce. By empowering the next generation of workers to enter the trades, we can help close the skills gap, while presenting robust career opportunities for young workers who enjoy challenging work that offers stability and long-term benefits.”
SkillsUSA Executive Director Tim Lawrence said, “Because of Klein Tool’s support, National Signing Day will help generate more awareness among students considering the skilled workforce as a career option.”
EVIT is a public career and technical education district that offers career training for East Valley high school students and adults at two central campuses in Mesa and branch campuses in Apache Junction and Fountain Hills. High school programs are tuition-free; adults pay tuition, with financial aid available for those who qualify.
Within a year of completing their training, 92 percent of EVIT students are in college, jobs or the military. So far, over 120 EVIT students in the Class of 2019 have been placed in jobs and many more will be hired within the next 12 months.
For more information, visit www.evit.com.