The Trades Academy Summer Institute recently concluded its second year as part of the Humboldt County Office of Education’s summer programming series, offering high school students a unique, hands-on experience in the skilled trades. Also known as TASI, the program is tailored to students interested in exploring careers in building construction, manufacturing, and product development.

Hosted by College of the Redwoods (CR) and the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE), the institute welcomed 16 students from public, private, and charter schools across the county in late June.

For two weeks from June-28, students gathered on the CR campus to learn directly from expert instructors, Bert Hafar, professor of Construction Technology, and Jerry Goodrow, professor of Welding Technology. Under Hafar’s guidance, students crafted oak side tables, while Goodrow taught welding fundamentals through creative horseshoe projects.

In addition to classroom learning, students toured multiple job sites and industry facilities. Special thanks to Bay Tank, Cal Poly Humboldt, Crestmark, North Fork Lumber, O&M Industries, Pacific Builders, and Wildwood Guitar for opening their doors and sharing their expertise.

The program concluded with a celebratory BBQ lunch for students, their families, and community partners. During the closing ceremony, each student was recognized with a certificate of completion and surprised with a scholarship donated by local businesses and members of the Humboldt Builders’ Exchange.

For more information about the TASI program, visit the TASI website or contact Ann Marie Rocha, HCOE Program & Event Coordinator, at arocha@hcoe.org or 707-441-3954.