Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1497518
56 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2023 Are your students career-minded or job-minded? There's a big difference. We ask them that question during admissions. We say, "If you want a career, you've come into the right school. If you want a job, go to a res- taurant. A job is temporary; a career is some- thing that you build throughout life. You never stop learning and creating. e more you put into a career, the more you get out of it." So yes, a career is very different than a job. We let kids know that it's okay to start work in a restaurant, because they may need that job. But we tell them not to stay there, that educa- tion is important, and that in five years they may not be able to afford everyday expenses anymore. We say, "You're going to be an adult, and you need to start either a certificate-based program or get a degree. It's impor- tant that you look into a high- demand trade or industry." One concern is that young people today stay with a position only one, maybe two years. High turnover is a very expensive proposi- tion. What advice do you give employers on attaining long-term employment? at is the beautiful thing about the work we do. State-certified programs like ours are great because we provide training and work experience programs for students entering high-demand professions. e state of Texas funds this, so students go to school debt-free. Likewise, employers save money by hiring our good talent, our students. ey try out students for 300 hours, at no cost, to see if they're a good match. Either way, students gain a few weeks of work experience. It's a win for everyone—the state, the high- demand trade or industry, the employer, the student—and we're helping to do that. We encourage more employers to talk to us, because we have these great programs that help them save money. Small businesses are suffering from a lack of great employees. Employers in the industry should reach out to us. is is all free. ey'll save money and get long-term results. It's all free in the state of Texas? Yes. ere are programs in other states, but I'm only knowledgeable about our program. Are you sharing your ideas and networking with other programs like we've been learning about here? No, but I'm trying to. Others should know about our Texas law that was passed years ago. I love this industry and my business. We help young people get careers and help employers and our industry grow. I was given an opportunity when I was young, that's how I learned about this field, and that's how I fell in love with it. Now I have my busi- ness and I advocate for what we're doing. Everybody wins. It's state-funded, so why not utilize our tax dollars and grow the economy? at's what we need to do. What advice would you give to a young person today? First, find out what you like to do as a hobby. It may lead you to what you'll like in a job. en, look into that industry. Ask yourself, "In five years, will this pay well? Will the industry grow or decline by then? How much money should I invest in my education?" Life is short. Do something that you love to do, so that doing your job feels amazing every day. I love what I do. It does feel amazing to me. I can tell. Thank you. Of course, thank you. PCB007 Small businesses are suffering from a lack of great employees.