Workers in trade are needed more than ever in the competitive job market, and one group of graduating seniors are ready to embark on the challenge.

Carbon Career & Technical Institute held its Cooperative Education Employer Appreciation breakfast and signing day on Thursday.

Students were honored as they prepare to graduate and enter the working world particularly in trade. Employers, supervisors, administrators and family members were invited to the event.

Stephanie Barto, Cooperative Education Coordinator, said the event serves as a time to honor students, but also promote tradespeople.

“CCTI graduates hold an advantage. The skills you have acquired, practiced and honed for the past three to four years, provide the critical component to offer our local employers,” Barto said. “In today’s high-tech world, change takes places faster than ever, and you are well-prepared.”

Fifteen seniors, as part of the largest co-op class CCTI has ever had, were presented with a certificate of completion, and students presented each employer with a plaque as a token of their appreciation.

The students and their workplaces include: Devin Knappenberger, Rentschler Chevrolet; Bryce Rivera, R.F. Ohl Fuel; Jake Hauser, R.F. Ohl Fuel; Gunnar Williams, R.F. Ohl Fuel; Sean Bevilacqua, WB Electric; Bret Aaron, Blue Mountain Machine; Ty Hahn, KME; Alyssa Halda, BTM; Maia Lacy, Taco Bell; Kevin Madea, Service Construction; Austin Miller, McAdoo Machine; Josh Nelson, DeSousa Oil; Eric Nothstein, Blue Ridge Pressure Casting; Jonathan Rehrig, Rehrig Fuel; Max Walters, Kelly Iron Works; Zach Shoenberger, SMF; Adrian Holthausen, SMF; James Frable, SMF and Carly Kuzan, Smart Style.

After the certificates were given, the second annual signing event took place. The co-op students and five students who have enlisted in the armed service participated.

The five students were Wyatt Cassidy, Air Force; Mason Chew, Air Force; Aaron Conway, Marines; Emma Smith, Army National Guard and Josh Nelson, Army.

“So, students, it is now your turn,” Barto said. “All your hard work at CCTI has paid off. It is time to start the careers that you have been training for and accomplish all that life has to offer.”

CCTI’s graduation will be held on June 11.