Sussex Tech High School open house set Nov. 19

Sussex Technical High School offers 18 career technical education programs and academic courses to provide graduates with readiness for  both employment and college.

An open house for eighth-graders is set for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, at 17099 County Seat Highway, Georgetown. 

For 12th-graders, Sussex Tech offers work-based learning opportunities. Academically eligible seniors, with teacher recommendations, can work a paying job in their technical area during regular school-day hours.

Adolfo Ascencio-Lagunas and Jacob Luciano, both in the Sussex Tech electrical program, are working for Nickle Electric Companies. In early October, their job site was at King Cole Farm, Dover, where an event venue is being constructed.

“When I first started, I was a little skeptical of the age of the people I was working with. Now, I feel like a part of the crew, and I really like the work,” said  Ascencio-Lagunas.

Luciano said, “I am learning a lot about a field I want to work in. There is teaching and problem solving all the time.”

Dan Peralta, service manager at Nickle Electric, enjoys working with the Sussex Tech students. “I graduated from St. Georges Technical High School and know how important this opportunity is for students,” said Peralta.  He pointed out Dustin Beideman, Sussex Tech class of 2017, is currently a foreman for Nickle Electric, and Mike Donzalez, Sussex Tech class of 2021, is completing his third-year apprenticeship.

Tyler Keyek, a legal support services/criminal justice program student, is employed as an administrative assistant at the Law Offices of Ward and Taylor, Rehoboth Beach. “Working here contributes to the progression of my life. I have an opportunity to experience what real-life work is like,” said Keyek.

Sussex Tech itself also employs students in the work-based learning program. Cisco Networking students work in the school’s IT Department. James Luther is appreciative of the opportunity. “I am doing this so I can get IT experience and be better prepared for a well-paying job in my future,” said Luther.

Work-based learning provides students with short-term employment opportunities, hands-on experience, lessons in time management and problem solving, practice in working with adults, and compensation.

For the 2022-23 academic year, Sussex Tech has high school students placed with more than 50 different employers.

To learn more, go to sussexvt.org.