Sixteen students from The Sound School received initial job offers from General Dynamics Electric Boat on Thursday, marking a major milestone in their transition from high school to the advanced manufacturing workforce.
The offers were extended during a district-wide hiring event held at James Hillhouse High School. The initiative is part of New Haven Public Schools’ federally funded Manufacturing Pathway program, which connects students with direct training and employment opportunities at the submarine manufacturing company. In total, 46 students from James Hillhouse, Wilbur Cross, and The Sound School were hired to help Electric Boat fill approximately 2,000 upcoming positions tied to major shipyard projects.
For the 16 Sound School seniors, the job offers were the culmination of a month of rigorous preparation. Coordinated onsite at Sound by Nilsa Matos (School Councelor) and Alicia Cook (Library Media Specialist) the students spent recent weeks refining their resumes and conducting mock interviews with Mahdere Yared (NHPS), Alexandra James (ReadyCT), and Colin Scinto (ReadyCT) to ensure they were ready to meet face-to-face with corporate recruiters.
School officials noted the students' professionalism during the event and highlighted the supportive atmosphere as the group celebrated one another's successful interviews.
The high-stakes event resulted in immediate career prospects for the teens, many of whom are securing their first post-graduation jobs.
“I’m just really happy and relieved that everything went well,” said Nahia Ortiz, a Sound School senior who received a job offer Thursday. “I’m just very excited to have this opportunity.”
Fellow Sound School student Jaylenne Rosa emphasized the value of the program, hoping their group's success will encourage younger students in the district to explore the advanced manufacturing field.
“This is a great opportunity for anybody in New Haven who wants to try it out,” Rosa said. “I think you definitely should.”