Career and technical education students at Niles High School took part in a ceremonial Signing Day on Thursday as they officially signaled their intended careers.

Ryan Boeskool with the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce tells us the ceremony was first held last year to recognize and congratulate those students seeking to enter the skilled trades.

“Just like the athletes get to have when they sign a letter of intent for a particular college or university, we’re doing it for these skilled trade students,” Boeskool said.

Boeskool says the chamber wants to encourage students to explore the skilled trades.

“Many of the manufacturers in town, but also Corewell Health, the medical industry, are looking for students who are embarking in a career that doesn’t necessarily need a four-year college university degree to proceed. So, there is a movement for some balance within our schools.”

Signing Day was held at the high school with representatives of Niles area employers on hand.

Boeskool says 25 students turned in their Letters of Intent.