November 7, 2024
Ralston High preparing students for career in trades

High schools are realizing not every teen is ready for or wants to go to college.At Ralston High School, they are leading the way with the only accredited high school automotive academy in the state.”We have a lot of support from the industry and the colleges,” said automotive technology teacher Andrew Berthold. “Our superintendent is a former industrial tech teacher. He understands the value of these programs. We are getting support and students are really getting interested in these programs.”Ralston is Automotive Service Excellence accredited. The ASE recognition gives students wanting to pursue a career in the auto industry a head start. “There is a huge need for skill work in the automotive industry and a lot of openings right now,” said Berthold.Senior Garrett White fell in love with cars thanks to his grandfather. When he learned about Ralston’s auto program, he knew he had to get in. Now White has big plans for his future.”My goal is to go to a four-year college and get a business degree,” says White. “And some point open up my own shop, that would be my goal.”White is one of five seniors to earn their ASE certificate. They spent the school year with a paid internship and school credit working at local auto dealerships. There they worked on their craft under the guidance of professionals. “You learn a lot,” said White. “We have a lot of tools. You learn anything you need to know, and with internships, you get hands-on at the dealership and get better working.””Students that like to work with their hands and problem solve and work things out, do really well here,” said Berthold.Students in the academy spend part of their day doing core classes. The rest of the day is working on cars from staff and vehicles donated to the program.

High schools are realizing not every teen is ready for or wants to go to college.

At Ralston High School, they are leading the way with the only accredited high school automotive academy in the state.

“We have a lot of support from the industry and the colleges,” said automotive technology teacher Andrew Berthold. “Our superintendent is a former industrial tech teacher. He understands the value of these programs. We are getting support and students are really getting interested in these programs.”

Ralston is Automotive Service Excellence accredited. The ASE recognition gives students wanting to pursue a career in the auto industry a head start.

“There is a huge need for skill work in the automotive industry and a lot of openings right now,” said Berthold.

Senior Garrett White fell in love with cars thanks to his grandfather. When he learned about Ralston’s auto program, he knew he had to get in. Now White has big plans for his future.

“My goal is to go to a four-year college and get a business degree,” says White. “And some point open up my own shop, that would be my goal.”

White is one of five seniors to earn their ASE certificate. They spent the school year with a paid internship and school credit working at local auto dealerships. There they worked on their craft under the guidance of professionals.

“You learn a lot,” said White. “We have a lot of tools. You learn anything you need to know, and with internships, you get hands-on at the dealership and get better working.”

“Students that like to work with their hands and problem solve and work things out, do really well here,” said Berthold.

Students in the academy spend part of their day doing core classes. The rest of the day is working on cars from staff and vehicles donated to the program.

https://www.ketv.com/article/ralston-high-preparing-students-for-career-in-trades/40033894