On Hands Training For A Career

Columbia, CA – Some Mother Lode high school students got a chance to put into practice what they learned in classroom during the Occupational Olympics at Columbia College.

The event, which pictures can be viewed in the upper left-hand image box, is part of Tuolumne and Calaveras counties Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) at the high schools.  Some of the programs include training in law enforcement, firefighting, welding, auto shop, and culinary. Held earlier this week, the olympics give students hands on experience, as well as, advice and grading from those already working in the fields, like Tuolumne County Sheriff Jim Mele, who states, “It’s a wonderful program. It’s a great opportunity for these kids to find out or decide if this is really something they want to do. We are really appreciative being involved and are grateful for the kids that came out and participated.”

The law enforcement drills involved a traffic stop, burglary in progress and a domestic violence situation. Also helping student pursuit a possible future career paths were Tuolumne County Sheriff Deputy Skylar Waid, California Highway Patrol Officers Nick Norton, Elliot Lopez and Eli Dillon, Sonora Police Department Officer Gordon Winningham and Community Service Officer Lance Durham.