AMAC-nificent Addition

         by Alexia Cortez and Leah Rivera
Pueblo County Highschool has announced the launching of the Academy of Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Construction (AMAC) for the 2019-2020 school year. This program is one that can help students figure out what kind of career they would like to pursue. The skills learned in these programs can help some students get jobs right out of high school and are in high demand in our community as well.
 
Ginger Andenucio Assistant Superintendent of District 70, Brian Dilka, PCHS Principal, John Musso, Rex Harriman, and Troy Mayfield are the creators of AMAC. This program is something everyone around County High should be excited for. It will give students the chance to explore a different kind of work that will not only benefit them, but our community as well. “I feel the AMAC program will enhance skills in our students that will make them employable as skilled workers in our community. This program will provide a great experience for students by utilizing on the job training, field experience, and internships”, stated Dilka. Not only will learned skills be offered, but “specific math and English classes” that will “prepare students for job fairs and apprenticeship programs”, said Academy Instructor, Rex Harriman.
 
​The program consists of three areas: Manufacturing, Agricultural Science, and Construction. The manufacturing part, students are taught to use tools and machinery that are associated with the manufacturing industry. Students in this part of the program will have the opportunity to learn both wood and metal work. The agriculture part consists of two different pathways: animal science and Future Farmers of America (FFA). With construction, students will make numerous projects based on their ideas. They could possibly have a paid internship or job placement. “Students should expect to gain real, practical experience and have the opportunity to further explore their interests through projects,” explained Troy Mayfield.
 
 Even though the program has not been put into place yet, students have already made some pretty remarkable projects. Juniors Sam Ashby and Zach Pool made a beautiful table that is displayed in Pueblo County High’s Library. “I have gotten very positive feedback about my table,” said Ashby. Many of these skills will help them later on if that is the career path they choose. It seems as though many of them have already decided, like student Zach Pool. Pool is looking forward to “learning more about construction.” These students can enter these classes with no experience, and “get a better job later in life”, stated Ashby.
 
AMAC is a great opportunity for any student at County High, and an even better help to our community. Some students have the possibility of being qualified for a job as soon as they graduate. Whether its manufacturing, agriculture, or construction, the students of PCHS are sure to learn more and more about each area for the years to come.

​http://pch-amac.weebly.com/growing-the-trades.html