Oil-Tech Delivers the Whole Package
Millie Reynoso learns more about Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. alongside another Oil-Tech student.
Jacob Ellis and Jonathan Hopkins listen to one of the presentations.
On April 6, 2018, the Oil-Tech Academy held a career expo on campus at the Mullen Gym. Many companies, such as Chevron, Key Energy Services, Fastenal, and Holmes Western Oil Corp. participated in the expo by showing students possibilities they may have not considered or seen before. During the expo, students engaged with various sectors of the oil industry and other organizations. The students were inquiring about their field of work and getting a
Key Energy’s rig on display.
more in-depth look on how they perform and operate on a day-to-day basis. Students were also given the opportunity to do mock interviews to better prepare them by giving advice and interview strategies. When asked about how he thought both students and Oil-Tech supporters would benefit from the expo, Ted Pendergrass, coordinator for the Oil-Tech Academy, stated, “For the students, they get to hear from various sectors of the industry and the career opportunities that are there…we also have interviews going at the same time. Positives for the companies are that they get to have an effect on the next generation and try to attract students to their industry.”
Emily Dunham talks to Brian Pait and Curtis Ashmore from MTC.
Students, such as Mille Reynoso, were asked what effect that the visiting programs and companies had on Oil-Tech students and the school itself. Millie stated, “For the school, I feel like it raises our rates for graduation…and furthering our education. For me, it opens up all these opportunities, like if I weren’t in Oil-Tech I would never know to do a good handshake, be in an interview, and make a resume.” Oil-Tech student Padraicg Null-Silva added
Holmes Western Oil Corporation and others brought equipment to show students outside.
saying, “I’d be lost setting up my plans for college.” Pendergrass was also asked what students learned or gained from coming to the expo. Pendergrass said, “One of the things that they gain is that they understand that they have to use different skills in their careers. They learn why writing, math, and science is important to their success. I just kinda bring it all together and let them understand it’s a whole package, it’s not just because you’re good at math–you can be an engineer.”
Beau Gongoria, Darin White, and Eulysses Urrea discuss business.
President of the Board of Trustees, John Kopp, also attended the career expo and was asked how he felt about the expo and what it provided to the students of Taft High. Kopp stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to see potential employers, to do interviews, and really practice being a professional, so I love that Taft High can provide this for our students.”
