SEATech Investing in Young People, Investing in Our Future
-Article and pictures by Columbia REA
Back in late January, Columbia REA was thrilled to host a group of students from the Southeast Area Technical Skills Center, more commonly known as SEATech. SEATech is one of (17) Skills Centers in Washington State. These Skills Centers are established to provide access to comprehensive, industry-defined career and technical programs of study that prepare High School students for careers, employment, apprenticeships, and/or postsecondary education.
About 50 local High School juniors and seniors from all over our region who are enrolled in the Construction Technology program were given a fully-immersive experience at Columbia REA’s Walla Walla Service Center, which included some hands-on training with a couple of REA linemen.
“This was just fantastic,” said Eric Matson, SEATech Construction Technology Instructor. “We just expected to get a tour, but getting to meet and work side by side with people who are actually doing the job and actually get our hands dirty, literally, was more than we could have ever expected. I think the students really loved it.”
Andrew Neal, Columbia REA lineman, was also excited about the opportunity to meet with these potential future colleagues.
“I just love the Trade,” said Andrew. “It’s a joy for me to share what I do…what we do…with these kids. I think it’s a great opportunity for any young person who is interested in a great career.”
“I think it’s important to introduce these kids to this opportunity and other opportunities like this,” added Columbia REA lineman Tad Iseminger.
“When I was in school there was nothing like this. When I was coming up, we had no idea that we could go straight into a career like this right out of school.”
Upon completion of the SEATech Construction Technology program, these students will be eligible to earn college credits and/or industry certification including the introduction to apprenticeship opportunities.
