Ritenour High School Launches Path 2 Trades Program with Support from Ameresco
Ritenour High School is offering an exciting new opportunity for students to explore careers in the construction industry through the Path 2 Trades (P2T) program, which began in October 2024. This two-year program, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Ameresco, aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and valuable industry mentorship.
Ameresco, a leading energy services company, is sponsoring the program and coordinating mentors and specialized training. Thanks to Ameresco’s support, students earn certification in First Aid/CPR and OSHA 10, both of which are crucial for careers in many trades. The company will offer these trainings throughout the two years, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation.
“We are so excited to get this program started for freshmen who already have indicated a strong interest in the trades,” said Adriana Quevedo-Boter, the work-based learning coordinator. “Our plan is to ensure those who want to pursue the trades make strong connections with professionals in those fields while they are in high school. Once they become a junior, they can continue focusing on their field of interest at North Tech High School and graduate with a diploma from both RHS and North Tech.”
The P2T program launched with a lunch & learn session on Oct. 2. Thirty-two students attended to hear a panel discussion led by professionals from different businesses and trade unions and ask questions of the panelists. Students learned about the benefits of the trades focusing on the sheet metal industry, construction, electrical workers and environmental safety.
Throughout the two years, 10 students who were selected for the program will meet quarterly with different trade partners who serve as P2T mentors. The inaugural group of RHS freshmen selected for this program are: Bella Andrews, Shamyah Cook, Dylan Deal, Steve De Jesus Rebollo, Juan Gaona Romero, Elijah Glenn, Dante Jessmon, Xavian Logan, Justin Meza Dominguez and Benjamin Moore.
Ritenour is grateful to the program’s mentors: Dana Dunn, analyst with Ameresco; Sylvester Taylor, director of Electrical Workers IBEW/NECA; Jacob West, director of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36; Tony Hagerty, principal of Environmental Consulting and Demolition (Enpaq Consulting); Cory Elliott, owner of CMT Roofing.
The program's first field trip took place on Oct. 10, where students toured North Tech's construction programs. Additional field trips this year will be to the Electrical Workers IBEW Local 1 campus, Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 campus and Enpaq Consulting.
