The Inside Scoop on JSK/Co-Op Tech Trades at QTC

JSK High School works in collaboration with Co-Op Tech to give students an opportunity to choose a trade to show a skill that they might already have or want to learn. The trades that you can choose from are: Introduction to Construction, Automotive, Culinary, Barbering and Advertising & Graphic Design. Reporter Makyla Dowdell got the inside scoop on students in each trade.

Introduction to construction provides students with the basic hands-on experiences necessary to perform basic building maintenance functions. The course focuses on the skills needed to assist building maintenance crews in residential and commercial buildings with the four units of study: Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing and Janitorial. According to Harman Singh, “I enjoy construction because I like to use tools and my father owns a construction business and one day I would like to take over one day.”

In Automotive, students learn how to complete proper maintenance including brake systems, steering and suspension systems, electronics, heating and cooling, engine performance and repair and inspection service. Student Sanjeev Banger stated, “I like auto because I love cars and being in auto is like playing with big Legos when putting together car parts.”

In Culinary, students learn different culinary arts techniques including preparation of stocks, sauces, soups, dry heat and moist heat cooking and a combination of cooking methods and also learn baking, pastry. This course is geared towards passing the food handlers certificate and being prepared for employment as an entry level baker, cook or a prep cook. As mentioned by Andrew Reeves, a student attending culinary class: “I like culinary because I like trying new cultural foods.”

In Barbering, students gain skills in shaving, haircutting, styling, coloring, manicure, massage, facials, and exposure to latest trends. This course is geared towards passing the HIV infection control license and barbering apprentice certification exam and to obtain an entry level position in a unisex salon or barbershop. According to Julian Diaz “I enjoy barbering because it’s hands-on.”

In Advertising and Graphic Design, students enter the world of design, learning the concepts, principals and the process of how to create amazing works of art using the various Adobe programs. While learning to be great designers, students will prepare to pass the adobe photoshop, In design and illustrator certifications. These courses will prepare students for entry level positions at graphic design companies and other jobs related to graphic design. Advertising student Sadiyya Lallbeharry said, “This class is helping me learn how to design posters and make advertisements. The class setting is so professional, we are working on industry level equipment and using software that is used in the real world.”

According to the JSK High School website it describes the school as follows: “We are a New York City public transfer high school co-located with the School of Cooperative Technical Education (Co-Op Tech) in Manhattan and Queens. At JSK we utilize a multitude of innovative services, and a customized level of support for each student to earn a Regents or High School Equivalency Diploma, along with career and technical certificates at Co-op Tech in a variety of cutting edge trade areas.  Our course offerings also include interpersonal skills development, extracurricular activities, Learning to Work internships, and career and college guidance.”

Having students take trade classes along with their academic classes leads to students learning a lot of skills. The offerings at QTC give a good variety of trade options so there’s something for everyone.  It was an eye-opening experience traveling to each trade class. Students were mostly engaged and were all using their hands. Nobody was just sitting around. Trade is a good way to get students excited about coming to school, and a good opportunity because the classes are worth 3 elective credits.