H-D-CAL students to participate in NIACC singing day

Area students pursuing a career in a technical field will receive a unique recognition later this month.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) will host a National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day at the Muse Norris Conference Center in Mason City beginning at 10 a.m.

Students who plan to complete an occupational program through NIACC will be invited to sign their letter of intents, similar to students who sign an athletic commitment to participate in athletics at the collegiate level. The event will simulcasted live and tied together with 60 technical institutions nationwide.

The signing day could include a number of Hampton-Dumont-CAL juniors who currently attend the West Fork Industrial Academy in Rockwell. H-D-CAL counselor Terry Carr said invitations have been sent to juniors.

At the academy, students learn a variety of trade skills in various fields such as welding, automotive, electronics, masonry and more. Carr said the recognition of students who attend the academy and eventually pursue careers in technical fields deserve recognition such as the signing because of their dedication to enter jobs that are much needed throughout the state and country.

“What’s in most demand are the skilled trades and we’re trying to honor the kids who have picked that,” he said. “That’s the purpose of the idea. We want to say that if you’re picking a skilled trade, we hope you finish it.”

Any junior attending the West Fork Industrial Academy is encouraged to see Carr for more information.