Spring 2020 Valparaiso Magazine
The size of the gap between open jobs and available trades workers is widening. The spring issue of Valparaiso Magazine takes a closer look at this growing need in our own community and the educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing this lucrative career niche.
The size of the gap between open jobs and available trades workers is widening.
The spring issue of Valparaiso Magazine takes a closer look at this growing need in our own community and the educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing this lucrative career niche.
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Jon Groth, Porter County<br />
Career Center<br />
Truly Exceptional Events<br />
Happen<br />
Here<br />
Camryn Santer, Class of 2019<br />
Hair Artist<br />
“I’m a cosmetologist, which essentially means I do anything related to<br />
hair, makeup, and nails. I’ve also been educated in spray tans.<br />
I started off at another cosmetology school and didn’t feel like I was<br />
learning a lot or getting the right kind of experience. So, I transferred<br />
to the Career Center at the end of my junior year. I thought the new<br />
teacher and change of environment would help. It was the perfect<br />
fit for me. I loved every minute there. I enjoyed getting to meet new<br />
people and experience hands-on training with an amazing teacher,<br />
a creative environment, and an overall kind staff as a whole at the<br />
center. Being at the Career Center changed my view on education. I<br />
didn’t really enjoy it at my previous school, where I just wanted to get<br />
through it as quickly as possible. When I transferred, I realized I was<br />
going about it in the wrong way. Now as I look back, even though<br />
it isn’t that long ago, I’m so glad for the memories I have and the<br />
experiences I was able to go through.<br />
I chose this career because I grew up in this field. My family lives<br />
above the salon and day spa business that they own. My mom,<br />
grandmother, and aunt all did hair. I never really thought about a ton<br />
of other careers since this career was so natural for me. I love seeing<br />
people get makeovers, with the transformation they bring. I know<br />
that seems like a generic answer, but it’s true. Whether it’s a big<br />
transformation or a little one, as long as they’re happy that’s the<br />
best feeling. It changes their attitude and helps them feel better<br />
about themselves.<br />
I advise people to give whatever career they might be interested in<br />
a try. You never know what you’ll enjoy and there’s nothing to lose. If<br />
you truly love it then it isn’t a job or chore; it’s a passion and career.<br />
Going into vocational classes or skilled trade careers doesn’t make<br />
you less intelligent, as the stereotype goes. It’s a sign that you know<br />
what you want and aren’t afraid to go after it at an earlier age.” >><br />
business conferences,<br />
fundraisers, weddings & more<br />
PorterCountyExpo.com<br />
ValpoChamber.org 17
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