Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Hard at work, Tim Wallace concentrates in drafting. C. Bell A Finish exchange student, Vesa Tvry. photo works in Auto Mechanics. Vocational 177

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A working future The working world begins to have an emphasis on young men and women during high school. Some students make plans to attend college while others look for part-time jobs. The students who do not plan on college may be interested in a program called Vocational Education. The Vocational Education system introduces students to the working world in areas of securing jobs, managing money, insurance, character development and safety. Elsik’s Vocational system is divided into two programs. The Vocational Cooperative program (co op) enables students to attend school half a day and then go to work in an occupation in which they can achieve their maximum potential. Furthermore, students will gain a first hand knowledge of their working field in which they can learn job responsibilities and employer-employee relations. The other part of the program is the Pre-Employment Labs. These classes prepare students for entering Cooperative Training and gives them basic background of the career they choose. Students learn job-interview techniques, consumer credit and buying. Both of the Vocational programs are joined together through Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). Vocational leadership clubs give students an opportunity to take part in the leadership and the decision-making process. It also allows them to compete in area and state vocational contests giving them a chance to sec the value of competition and excellence as well as to meet many students from other areas of the state. Throughout the next several pages, one will be able to take a closer look into the exciting and productive world of Vocational education. by J. Rengert In Auto Mechanics class. Jim Pittman works with a drill. 176 Vocational

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Deca students Marlene Keener and Adelc MeGaughy. Distributive Education Distributive Education is a cooperative class which involves the fields of retailing, wholesaling, and service selling occupations. DE allows a student to gain instruction on a certain job through the classroom and on the job. “Because the job market is so tough, many jobs require people with experience,” said Mrs. Fuchs, DE teacher. “The Alief area is hiring people with some experience. If one doesn’t have any experience, its hard to get a good job. That’s why DE can be an advantage to students.” While in Distributive Education a student will have an opportunity to learn advertising, salesmanship, job interview procedures, econ- omics, and a wide range of individualized topics. DE presents training in certain fields such as advertising, fashion sales, gift sales, food store operation, music store operation and auto parts sales and services to name a few. “I think our programs are necessary with today’s economy. It gives students a chance to make contacts and references. Students also have scholarship opportunities,” said Mrs. Fuchs. DE also offers activities in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). DECA sponsors student trips and activities. It also sponsors the DECA school store which is run by students involved with the program. “I believe DE is for everyone. Even students who plan to attend college should take DE if they are Ken Bitz disguises himself as Santa Claus. Jane I c hugs Santa. interested in one of our fields. It allows the students to get experience and hands-on training to see if they really like the career of their choice,” said Mrs. Fuchs. For the student who is interested in marketing and sales, Distributive Education is the way to go. 178 Vocational