NEW LONDON, Wisconsin (WFRV) – A New London High School program that prepares students for careers in the skilled trades is getting even better.

Approximately 340 students have enrolled in at least one of the program’s 18 course options this year. Students like Noah Furman say he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an electrician.

“It’s fun, you can learn life skills here,” Furman explained.

Another student, Raquel Welch, says she first took classes in the New London Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) program because she wanted to try something new. She says she really enjoys these courses and is now considering pursuing a career in the pipeline industry in the West after graduating from high school.

“I’m a very hands-on learner, I don’t like sitting at my desk, I really like doing something creative,” Welch said.

The CTE program has undergone several upgrades in recent months.

These include updating 12 welding teaching stations, adding an area defined as a material spray booth, adding small motorized lab elevators, upgrades to the classroom computer lab, exterior security fencing for students to do exterior projects, and replacement of CNC routers that cut wood and other materials.

“You have more response time than waiting for a machine to be opened,” Furman explained.

“Right now the trades are more in demand than ever before and we can give students a head start on other schools and hire them in better jobs,” said Bryce Jaglinski. , one of the instructors of the CTE program.

Jaglinski says students are realizing that there is a great career path for those pursuing skilled trades. He also says the jobs pay well and students can learn the skills they need to pursue this career without going into debt.

Eight of the courses in the CTE program provide students with dual credit opportunities at Fox Valley Technical College.