Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Tosa students start new careers on Industry Signing Day

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Graduation season is here and lots of high school seniors are looking forward to going to college in the fall.

But there are many different pathways to success. Wauwatosa East High School is preparing kids to enter the workforce in a different way. CBS 58 was there as they embark on their new careers. 

The technology education class may look like a professional job site. 

"It was intimidating at first," said Alex Kotas.

Or a technical college. 

"It's kind of trial and error, you know," an instructor said.

But this is actually a high school classroom. 

"I've learned a lot. I've learned how to wire an outlet. I've learned how to do the framing of a bathroom," Kotas said.

The students in Craig Griffie's Industry Advisory Program at Wauwatosa East build a bathroom from the ground up.

"We have kids going into electrical, HVAC, steam fitting, carpentry, bricklaying," Griffie said.

Professionals come in all year long to help. 

"My goal is, when we teach a new trade, to not be the expert in the room," Griffie said.

And in the final days of May, in front of family and friends, 28 of those students committed to registered apprenticeships in a variety of trades, with 14 different companies. Thirty students in total were recognized during this Industry Signing Day event.

"I'm super excited! I can't believe this is happening today," said senior Myana Cooper. "I'm signing to become an operating engineer for Mortenson Construction company."

Cooper plans to work with heavy equipment. 

"Like the cranes you see, and the excavators you see. Just working, that would be me in the future," she explained.

Kotas is finishing his junior year.

"I thought I would go to college for a business major, but now, after this year, I've learned so much and now I know what I actually want to do," he said.

Kotas signed on for a youth apprenticeship in carpentry. 

"They come back to school like yeah, I was just building a hospital at Froedtert," Griffie said.

The students credit Mr. Griffie. 

"I did not know this is what I wanted to be until, honestly, I joined Griffie's class and I was like, okay. I see what I want to do," Cooper said.

But he gives them all the credit for building their skills and confidence.

"I love knowing that these kids have been able to make a decision, an adult decision, and they're out there living their lives," he said.

Tosa East is one of only two schools in the state recognized as a certified pre-apprentice program. 

Some of these jobs start at $26 an hour. 

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].