Photo submitted to the Times Observer John Papalia, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry senior vice president, is pictured with high school students Ryan Chamber, Carter Cochran, Adiken Johnson, Lionel Chapel, and Jonah Swartz, all of whom have signed on to work at Superior Tire & Rubber Corp. after graduation. All five took part in career-centered programs through the Warren County Career Center and WCCBI.

The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry recently hosted its annual Student Sign-On Event, a celebration recognizing the achievements and future plans of the area’s high school graduates.

The event serves to connect students with local employers, reinforcing the many career opportunities available within the community. Among the proud participants in this year’s celebration was Superior Tire & Rubber Corp., which officially welcomed five graduates into the professional world: Ryan Chamber, Carter Cochran, Adiken Johnson, Lionel Chapel, and Jonah Swartz. All five took part in career-centered programs through the Warren County Career Center and WCCBI.

WCCBI officials said the students’ decision to enter the workforce shows a growing partnership between local schools and industries that help prepare students for real-world employment while also supporting the region’s workforce needs.

“As these graduates step into the next phase of their lives, transitioning from students to skilled professionals, the community applauds their achievements,” WCCBI officials said in a news release. “Their choice to begin their careers here at home is a testament to the opportunities that exist in Warren County and the value of investing in local talent.”

Last week, ELLWOOD National Crankshaft – ENCII in Irvine announced the hiring of two more Warren County Career Center graduates – Nathan Ciprich and Detrick Little. Ciprich and Little recently graduated from the Warren County Career Center’s Machining program into full-time roles. Their high school experience included roles as student co-op participants, with those roles turning into full-time jobs less than two weeks after their high school graduation. Nathan has accepted a position as a CNC machinist while Detrick will begin his new role as a heat treat operator (Nitride).

The Cooperative Education Program or Capstone Program is a structured method of instruction combining school-based classroom learning with productive work-based learning, matching the student-learner’s academic and career objectives.

Eligible seniors may participate in the Cooperative Education Program, which is a paid work experience. In some cases, qualified juniors may be considered for participation during the final marking period of their junior year. To be released from school, the student must work a minimum of 15 hours during the school week in a position related to the student’s career objective.

Warren County Career Center programs are monitored by a certified Cooperative Education Instructor who ensures that the students and employers are following the guidelines of the program. For additional information on work experience opportunities, contact Bob Smith, Warren County Career Center, 347 E. Fifth Ave., Warren, PA 16365, or call 814-726-1260.