Aaron Howard gave all of his students the chance to attend a visit by Lincoln Tech admissions representative Michael Vetare on Jan. 9.

“I think a lot of my students lean toward the trades and have those interests but may not know the opportunity is out there for schooling outside of high school and college,” said Howard, Webutuck’s first-year teacher of the trades. “I thought it was a good opportunity and could be eye opening to some of them.

“It’s specialized training aimed at what they’re interested in doing as a career in a faster track than doing something on the job or through a four-year school.”

Webutuck has 13 juniors and 13 seniors studying a trade at Dutchess BOCES’ Career and Technical Institute, and some may have an interest in furthering their trade skills by attending Lincoln Tech or a college such as SUNY Delhi before joining the workforce.

“I think the good part is there are other options out there that they don’t necessarily look at,” said school counselor Vincent Merendino.

Lincoln Tech is a trade school offering programs such as automotive technology, diesel and truck technology, electrician training, medical assistant and welding technology.

Lincoln Tech, established in 1946, has 22 campuses in 14 states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Vetare, who lives in the mid-Hudson Valley, represents the campus in East Windsor, Conn., which offers student housing in apartments and financial aid.

“My point today is to get students interested in the trades, try to make them understand how important it is and what a great career they can have,” said Vetare.

“There is a skills gap out there today. The skills gap is a big problem the United States has where we don’t have enough workers out there to fix all the problems and the things that are breaking in our country. There are career opportunities with the trades.”

Senior Luis Cabrera is planning to study electric at SUNY Delhi and attended the session to hear what Vetare had to say about the trades.

“I’ve done electrical work with my dad, so I know how to do it,” said Cabrera, who likes electric being a hands-on career. “It’s a lot about memory. I have a good memory, so that helps a lot with it, too.”