Voc-Tech open house tomorrow
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
WESTFIELD – Knowing what you want to do the rest of your life comes easily to some, but for most people, it is a learning process.
At Westfield Vocational-Technical High School (WVTHS) there are 11 vocational paths, in addition to academics, that help students discover their passion and develop skills that will lead to a successful future.
While no one expects eighth grade students to know their path for sure, an open house at WVTHS set for tomorrow could help them weigh their options.
“The primary focus of the event is to showcase our 11 shops for potential students, particularly eighth graders,” said Robert Ollari, marketing and assessment coordinator at WVTHS. “We also get our ninth graders who want to share their shops with their parents.”
On hand during the open house will be members of the advisory board for each vocational shop.
“They are there representing their company,” said Ollari.”Their purpose is two-fold: they are showing career pathway options upon graduation and showing that we really need industry support at vocational schools. They are proof that vocational education is relevant to today’s job market.”
Ollari said the feedback he receives at the open house is very positive.
“It is important for parents to see the magnitude of the school and the depth of the programs and the potential for student success upon graduation,” said Ollari.
He said there is still a stigma associated with vocational schools.
“Some parents I talk to are still of the mindset that if you’re going to college, you go to Westfield High School and if you’re going to work, you go to Voc,” said Ollari. ‘That’s just not the case anymore.”
He added that he sees more and more families with students at both schools.
Ollari said he visits middle schools to reach out and inform them about the options offered at WVTHS.
“I don’t do recruiting, I just share with them the educational pathways open to them,” he said. “I encourage them to know the options open to them.”
The open house is for eighth grade students and their families in the region, not just Westfield.
“We do service about 56 students from out of district,” said Ollari.
The WVTHS open house is tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. at the school on Smith Avenue. Instructors from the various shops, as well as some academic teachers and guidance counselors, will be available that evening.
