A program in Whiteside County is helping high school students transition from school to work.
That's especially important if they're not going on to college.
As students enter the Whiteside Area Career Center on Tuesday, they're on the path to learning a trade.
Ian Casten gets hands-on work in the automotive class.
The two-year program will give students like him the skills to get a job.
"You can go into anything from body work to automotive work," he said. "It's just interesting."
Some 50 kids are part of the automotive program this year.
Nearly half of them will go to work in the field straight out of school.
"They want a kid whose attendance is good, attitude is good and are willing to learn," said Instructor Rollie Conkling.
The center, now in its 50th year, complements normal high school classes.
Subjects include everything from construction to culinary arts.
More than 600 students from 17 regional high schools are participating in 2016.
By starting in school, they can move directly to a job.
Plus, problem solving and life skills are important for any field.
"You kind of get a feel for the area," said Alex Schuldt, 18, a senior at Sterling High. "Then you get to decide what you like about it."
"All of us like the same thing," added Keegan Kaye, 17, a junior at Sterling High. "That's why we're in this class. We have the opportunity to work on cars."
Students are getting a great head start to land available local jobs.
Others might go on to more advanced training.
"I can see it," said Conkling, now in his 26th year as a teacher. "Just how he moves his hands, and how he takes interest in his work. He's going to do this the rest of his life."
It's a chance to build a future with a high school diploma.
"You can learn new things every single day," Casten concluded.
For more information, www.wacc.cc/.