Will County offers a career program widely known as Wilco, but students don’t know much about it. According to an option survey of 38 people, 57.9% know what Wilco is.
“Wilco is a career and tech program that offers many courses for our students to take,” Jonathan Puklin, assistant principal, said.
The school’s Wilco program offers a total of 32 courses. They aim to prepare students to join the workforce early by providing certifications and college credits.
“It’s taught me leadership skills, how to manage dangerous situations, as well as many life saving techniques that will further benefit me in the future,” Tomas Coleman, Wilco fire sciences student, said.
Wilco teaches many trades and sciences. The program provides 1.5 credits per semester, and three letter grades on a transcript, equalling what a student would earn from the three regular classes that it takes up.
“Students who want to get a head start in their future career should attend Wilco if they have their career choice. Getting ahead and knowing the things could help them when they start their career,” Yamille Gonzalez, Wilco law enforcement and public safety student, said.
Wilco offers near daily hands-on experience, and a break from sitting in a classroom.
“For the student that really likes to work with their hands and doesn’t like classes in a traditional type of setting like the high school is, a place like Wilco is very beneficial,” Puklin said.
Depending on the individual student, Wilco could be the best environment for one to learn.
“It has taught me many things on what I would do in my future career, it has helped me get out of my comfort shell and participate in class and make new friends!” Gonzalez said.
Wilco has also been recommended by multiple students in the program.
“It can give them [students] career opportunities,” Jake Ilano, Wilco auto services student said.
Although Wilco is only open to juniors and seniors, some students have planned ahead, and intend to join Wilco soon.
“I want to go into the medical field, and it could help me better understand the field and possible job choices,” said Natalie Zuca, sophomore.
Wilco is also easy to sign up for. Once old enough, a student only needs to tell their counselor what program they want to take, and the school will help from there.
