By MARK MILLER

After participating in one of the career education programs at their high school or earned an internship with a local employer, these five Wells County graduating seniors signed commitment certificates with local businesses to begin their careers after graduation. Seated, from left, Holdon Eisaman, Norwell; Colin Heron, Norwell; Jon San Juan, Bluffton; and Zachariah Bennett, Norwell. Standing, Chad Kline, Wells County Economic Development Executive Director; Ethon Beck, Norwell; and Joe Elkins, Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance Executive Director. (Photo provided)

In the first of what is hoped to be an annual event, the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance held a “signing day” last week, at which 12 graduating seniors made a signed commitment to begin a skilled-trade career at a local business upon graduation.

“We see pictures of these kids signing to play sports at universities,” said AWMA executive director Joe Elkins. “They get recognized for their athletic talent, so we wanted to recognize these students who have developed their talents during high school as well. And it’s a neat way to help draw attention to the excellent, well-paid jobs available in manufacturing right here at home.”

As an additional incentive, AWMA provided a $100 signing bonus to each student.

Five of the dozen were from Wells County: Holdon Eisaman, Colin Heron, Zachariah Bennett and Ethon Beck from Norwell High School and Jon San Juan will begin working at Briner Buildings after accepting his diploma from Bluffton High School. Eisaman, Beck and Bennett committed to Perma Column, Inc., while Heron will begin his career at Trusted Solutions in Ossian.

Each student who signed a commitment certificate received a $100 signing bonus from the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance. Above, Jon San Juan accepts his check from (from left) Adam Atkins of Bluffton High School, Bryan Harshberger of Briner Builders, and at right, Chad Kline of the Wells County Economic Development office. (Photo provided)

“We know everybody is not going to go to college,” Wells County Economic Development Director Chad Kline said. He characterized the effort as a win-win: “There are great opportunities locally for students to find a great career in well-paying skilled jobs, and local industries and businesses are hiring. This is a part of the overall effort to solve the workforce development issues all communities are facing.”

miller@news-banner.com

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