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Helpful Words and Phrases

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  1. a skilled trade
    • ex. Many skilled trades jobs, like cooking or fixing electronics, need practice and training. They don’t usually need a college degree.
  2. a credential
    • ex. He has all the credentials needed to work as a nurse.
  3. flagship
    • ex. Many people visit the flagship store in the city center because it is large and popular.
  4. in demand
    • ex. These shoes are in demand. Many people buy them in the store.
  5. foundational
    • ex. This class teaches foundational knowledge, so students can understand harder topics later.

Article

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This summer, many L.A. high school students will learn skilled trades and earn money doing it. The program is called Skilled Trades Summers and is supported by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. Under this program, students can get credentials in different industries, like electrical and construction. More than 600 students will join this program.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is the flagship program of The Smidt Foundation. It wants more high school students to learn skilled trades. These jobs are in demand, but only a few public high schools teach them. The program helps students get foundational skills so they can find good skilled trade jobs after they graduate.

This year, some community colleges will help with the program. Pasadena City College will teach 80 local high school students skills necessary for the rebuilding of places affected by California wildfires in January. Long Beach City College will train 25 students with the help of a group of electrical workers. And at Artesia High School, 40 students will learn about car technology and will be referred to possible employers.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Skilled Trades Summers

  • High school students in L.A. will learn skilled trades and earn money doing it. Do you think it's a good idea for students to earn money while learning job skills? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think young people should start learning skilled trades in school? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What foundational skills do you think high school students should learn before finishing high school (ex. communication skills, time management)? Discuss.

Getting a Job

  • Is it easy or difficult to find jobs in your country? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • What jobs are in demand in your country right now? Discuss.
  • How can high school students prepare now to get a good job later? Discuss.