News Release: Wichita-area JAG-K Students Learn about Plumbing, HVAC

JAG-K participants from Wichita Northwest High School and Circle High School recently visited the Plumbers & Pipefitters office in Wichita to learn about training opportunities in plumbing and HVAC.

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #441 of Kansas provides support and training to members and information and introduction to those interested in entering the field. It offers an apprenticeship program in plumbing, piping, welding and HVAC installation and maintenance.

JAG-K offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. One of the important features of JAG-K is employer engagement. Students are regularly introduced to a wide range of jobs and careers through field trips, job shadows, internships and summer or part-time employment.

A group of 40 JAG-K students toured the Plumbers & Pipefitters training facility and learned about opportunities in the industry.

“I think it was a great trip. It was very educational,” said Anden Gooding, a freshman from Circle High School. “All the workers there loved their jobs. The environment was very chill but also professional. They were all very nice.”

Students learned about the various jobs represented within the Plumbers & Pipefitters union, the training, qualifications and certifications and earnings opportunities. They were introduced to a wide range of tasks and skills involved in plumbing and HVAC.”

“I saw that plumbing isn’t just involving bathrooms,” said Sarah Andrus, a freshman from Circle High School. “It plays a role in hospitals like the oxygen bag they help hook up. I would have never thought about that.”

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had 805 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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