By AMANDA FLEMINGER
As graduation approaches and seniors get ready to move on to colleges of their choice, John White has other plans.
From the start of his sophomore year, White enrolled in the dual-enrollment program at Mid-Florida Tech. With an early start to the program, White only needs to complete the summer and fall semesters of 2010 to receive his “completion certificate” in mechanics.
“[Tech schools] train you on material you want to continue [doing] in life instead of focusing on subjects like English. Four-year colleges don’t include the technical and hands on part,” White said.
As White continues studying diesel mechanics, his plans are to contribute to the family business. In 1969, White’s grandparents started Orlando Waste Paper Company, a full service recycling facility; he plans to become a mechanic there, working on the trucks and cars.
“[Already being a part of the family company], I feel lucky that I have a job unlike other people,” White said.
White already contributes to the business, sorting through cardboard, taking out the garbage or welding garbage cans together; he makes $10 per hour. With the help of Mid-Florida Tech, White will soon increase his experience allowing him to work as a diesel mechanic.
White feels the mechanical side of the company is more interesting.
“It’s hands on and is better than sitting at a desk and staring at a computer screen all day,” White said.
Although this program is teaching White the skills he needs, he is still worried about his future.
“There are more senior mechanics around with a lot of experience. [I’m worried I may not] be able to find a job if I want to go outside the family company, [so that] I’d be able to make my own path rather than one that’s already made for me,” White said.
White’s entire family is incorporated with the business.