Whittier Union Adult School’s (WUAS) Electrician 1 program has recently received recognition from the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), which presented the school with its coveted Outstanding Achievement Award for the school’s success in guiding students to employment in the industry.
The program, which includes a math/electrician component, is designed to prepare students to pass the Electrical Training Institute’s (ETI) electrician’s apprentice application. WUAS students have an 89% placement and employment rate after completing their training.
WUAS will receive its award at SBWIB’s 27th annual awards ceremony on Nov. 3 at the Torrance Marriott South Bay.
“We are thrilled to receive this award from the Workforce Board, which represents the business interests that are hiring our students the moment they complete the course,” United Sierra Education Center Director Dr. Margie Moriarty said. “One of our primary goals at WUAS is to ensure that our community receives the tools they need to join the workforce in a variety of industries and begin careers that can pay a mortgage.”
WUAS received the award based on the number of students referred to the school through federally funded agencies such as the America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC). WUAS hosts students from four regional AJCCs, including centers in Río Hondo, Anaheim, Santa Ana and Redondo Beach.
WUAS also has students from the Los Angeles Archdiocese Youth Employment Program and Managed Care Solutions in Pomona. To qualify for the recognition, students must be employed for a minimum of 90 days.
“Whittier Adult School’s Electrician 1 program is completely hands-on, which I love,” former WUAS student Ruben Alaniz said. “My instructors are amazing. They work with you every step of the way to make sure you succeed. I would recommend this course to anyone who is serious about learning the profession.”
The program’s success is augmented by community outreach that touts the benefits of learning a new trade, especially among recent high school graduates, who make up a significant portion of Electrician 1 classes.
WUAS counselor Tim Shubin works with Whittier Union and other local high school counselors throughout the school year to identify which students may be looking to learn a trade. Students who are interested receive a campus tour, meet with WAUS students in the electrician and plumbing programs, and talk with AJCC representatives about how to qualify for tuition assistance and job placement.
Students are encouraged to take the WAUS Intro to Construction summer course, which provides a smooth transition to the electrician and plumbing courses. Students are also directed to the WUAS AJCC satellite office to begin the eligibility process and see if they qualify for financial aid.
“The recognition from the SBWIB represents the tremendous effort put forth by our outstanding students and a community that truly supports our programs,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “We couldn’t do it without the dedicated and hard-working administration, faculty and staff at Whittier Union Adult School. Congratulations to Dr. Moriarty and the entire WUAS team for this well-deserved honor.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
WUHSD_ELECTRICIAN_1: Former Whittier Union Adult School student Ruben Alaniz has built the skills and gained the knowledge he needs for a career in the industry.
WUHSD_ELECTRICIAN_2: A Whittier Union Adult School student follows her notes as she works hands-on in the school’s Electrician 1 classroom.