STARS open house event draws job offers from industry insiders

Representatives from the Painters and Allied Trade Union, from left, Andrew Herrera and Josh Wyrick, discuss job opportunities and wages with STARS construction instructor Brandon Johnson and Jayhawk-Linn students Gracee Willard and Kelsee Poole during the STARS open house on Wednesday, March 26. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

PLEASANTON – To say it was a good day for students in the Southeast Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS) program would be an understatement. 

The training center for area students on Wednesday morning, March 26, hosted an informational tour for area companies and trade unions followed by a barbecue lunch at the Pleasanton Community Center. The event was also attended by the portion of the STARS students who were interested in job placement. More than 120 area students are currently enrolled in STARS classes.

James Beidelschies from Louisburg High School discusses his training with representatives from PROtect, a national company that offers nondestructive testing services with offices in Lenexa.

More than 30 representatives from unions and companies attended the event. Students had the opportunity talk with those representatives. Wearing their best jeans, collared shirts and caps, the STARS students offered directions to visitors, answered their questions and greeted their guests in a professional manner.

Groups of instructors, visitors and students gathered in different areas of the STARS facility to discuss their different fields of interest, whether it was heavy equipment operation, welding or the other fields of study that STARS offers.

Many of the students walked away with offers for jobs or acceptance into apprenticeship programs, according to Brandon Johnson, construction instructor.

STARS Director Jay Allen, right, talks with representatives with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local union during the open house.