ROCHESTER — Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School seniors are “workforce ready,” according to superintendent Aaron Polansky.

Seniors entering the workforce full-time at Old Colony were recognized at an industry signing day ceremony on Thursday, May 30. 

The ceremony recognized 34 students for following in the path of their vocational training and entering full-time jobs after high school, Old Colony Vocational Coordinator Bethany Botelho said.

Old Colony superintendent Aaron Polansky addressed students during the ceremony, telling them they “were made to rise.” 

“They understand the importance of professionalism, they understand the importance of doing what they said they are going to do,” he said.

During the signing ceremony, students signed certificates of intent. 

Those certificates recognized the “growing need of professionals within the skilled trades” and work to close the gap by committing to careers with their employer, Botelho said. 

The ceremony recognized students signing onto careers in the automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, electrical, carpentry, machine technology and metal fabrication industries. 

Mattapoisett resident Aaron Gilreath signed to a full time culinary career at LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville on signing day. 

Gilreath said he was excited to go on from Old Colony to work full time.

“I learned a lot, but I’m ready to move on and learn more,” he said. 

Polansky said that many of the employers, like Gilreath’s employer, are Old Colony graduates. 

Max Smith is a 2019 graduate of Old Colony and worked at LeBaron Hills Country Club when he was in high school, where he is now the executive chef. 

“It’s pretty cool to see that full transition and now welcome another high schooler onto the team,” Smith said. “It feels good to give back to the school in a way.”

Old Colony students can participate in the co-operative education program, where they can work in their field of choice starting in their junior year, carpentry instructor Doug Sims said. Students in the program are often offered full time jobs after graduation, according to Old Colony’s website.

“It feels great, whether a student is leaving here to go into the workforce, whether they’re going to college, it’s just a great feeling to see the students succeed,” Sims said. 

Other attendees included Elizabeth Bennett, the Associate Commissioner for College, Career and Technical Education at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, who said that the signing day was “amazing.”

“When you see days like today, too, it shows the dedication and commitment of Old Colony’s instructors, their leadership to prepare students for their future,” Bennett said. 

The following Tri-Town students were recognized:

Automotive Technology:

Andrew Scott, Mattapoisett - Scott Repair

Samuel Nuernberg, Rochester - South Shore Generator Sales and Service

Culinary Arts:

Aaron Gilreath, Mattapoisett - LeBaron Hills Country Club

Electrical:

Lindsey Bacchiocchi, Rochester - Wayne Electric & Alarms

Dan Bertrand, Rochester - N.J. Deree Electric, Inc.

Machine & Tool Technology:

Hayden Costa, Rochester - Pocassett Machine Corporation

Euan Fredricks, Rochester - Autocam Medical

Metal Fabrication & Joining Technologies

Joshua Sousa, Rochester - K.R. Rezendes Inc.