It was during an on-campus skills workshop that MacArthur 2020 graduates Jose Rodriguez and Erick Quintanilla proved their readiness to join one of the largest electrical contractors in Texas. Not long after, Walker Engineering offered both the opportunity to become apprentice electricians.

Rodriquez and Quintanilla are two of the many students who have learned the technical and professional skills it takes to land a job after graduation. Both were dedicated students in the School of Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE), which is offered through the district’s nationally recognized career and technical education initiative, Signature Studies.

During their four years in ACE, Rodriquez and Quintanilla participated in several hands-on courses designed to ready them for a career in electrical technology. Walker Engineering, along with seven other companies in DFW, have partnered with MacArthur’s ACE program to shape curriculum, mentor students and strengthen workforce readiness.

“We’re all excited to have Jose and Erick join the Walker family, as well as continuing our work with the ACE program to prepare students for a career in the construction industry,” says Joe Rivas, Vice President of Human Resources at Walker.

To learn more about the Signature Studies program and its offerings at the high school and middle school levels, visit IrvingISD.net/SignatureStudies.