Union Holds 'Signing Day' For Students Seeking Internships

Some Union High School seniors made possible career decisions Tuesday, and they haven’t even graduated.

They signed up to work with companies who agree to train them and possibly hire once they have their degree.

It's a transition from high school to career - with the expectation the students will get better jobs and more training because they started early.

It was signing day at Union High School when juniors and seniors signed on for paid internships for the spring semester.

Students like David Patterson see it as a ticket to a career.

"I stumbled upon it, but it seemed like a good opportunity to me," Patterson said.

He signed up for work at APSCO, a manufacturer. He'll work there 16 weeks before graduating high school.

“If I do well, and I like it, I could be getting a career out of this," Patterson said.

The internships include manufacturing, auto mechanics and a commercial bakery.

Until now the students trained in a traditional classroom.

Amanda Howell with Union Public Schools said, "So these students have been getting certifications and working with an instructor, and so now with - help from OK2GROW - they get to go apply some of that knowledge in the workforce."

For Stephanie Cameron, with APSCO, it's a pipeline for new employees who come into the job with some basic training.

“We've had some of these students before and we've actually hired them on," she said. "I think it's going to be a fantastic opportunity not only for our employees but for these students. It's a paid internship that adds on to what they've been learning in the classroom."

The first ever signing day comes as the program builds momentum - now in seven high schools - with plans for expansion.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett would like to see the program expand in Tulsa Public Schools.

The city has nine students already working at the city garage, they added six more Tuesday.