Hollister High School hosts Central Coast Trade Show

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV)-  For the first time ever, Hollister High School is hosting an event called the Central Coast Trades Show.

Students walked up and down the staff parking lot and met with several contractors and union employers. This show was created with a focus on different work opportunities, according to Hollister High School Auto instructor Tom Agan.

“One of my former students felt like he wanted to give back,” Mr. Agan said. “His daughters here at the high school, and he stopped by and presented an idea to do a career trade show around construction.”

This former student, David Stephen, graduated from Hollister High in 99 and went on to work as an electrician. After seeing how well the trade worked for him, he wanted to show students they could do it too. 

He also got some inspiration from his family.

“I was actually here with my daughter, who is a sophomore, and saw the kids getting excited about their projects and what they can do and showing me different types of things like welding,” Stephen said. “So, I thought about it for a little while and said, what can I do? What can I do to help and give back?”

The school has received a lot of positive feedback from students.

According to the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness in the San Benito High School District, Claire Grissom, they want students to know that they can still succeed even without college.

“I think it’s really important that we acknowledge that there are some machinists and technicians and journeymen out here that make more than me with a Masters in Education,” Grissom said. “It’s really important for them to understand that you don’t have to have a four-year degree to have a successful life.”

Presenters who attended the first event have already said they’d love to come back again next year.