A recent Greene County High School graduate is finishing up a new program that has already led to what he hopes is a future career.

Dylan Ades was one of three high school seniors that were involved in the first-ever apprenticeship program. Ades tells Raccoon Valley Radio the program specifically targets welding and he had to go through pre-requisite classes before participating in the program. He had to go through the interview process and then chose to work at Scranton Manufacturing.

While working with the garbage truck manufacturer, Ades says he helped build five-loader garbage trucks, as well as making parts for other trucks. He describes what a typical day was like for him while being in the program.

“It was pretty stressful. Wake up around 4:30(am), then go to work and be there by 6(am) if not earlier. I’d leave there usually around noon, come to class, and get home and be super tired, but still had to do homework and everything like everyone else does.”

Ades points out the apprenticeship program included committing to 1,000 hours of work, but says he’s gained life skills as well.

“It’s not just about welding. It’s about communicating with your coworkers, being able to work with someone else as a team, knowing how to talk to them and what to say, (and) knowing how to work together to get something done right the first time. So a lot of those (life) skills. And the program as a whole was a great way to start out a career and get a foot in the door for future jobs.”

Ades has been offered and accepted a job, which he believes the apprenticeship program helped get him to the point for his career path he wanted to pursue.