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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Company Shows Kids Trades

A San Fernando Valley roofing and building contractor has started an Explorer Post to expose area high school students to career opportunities in the trades. Mike Quiroga is scheduled to host a meeting Sept. 7 at his Van Nuys company, Mike’s Roofing and Building Service, where he hopes to attract 10 students to join the program. Quiroga said he is filling a void created by many high schools, which have cut shop classes from the curriculum and have left students who want to work with their hands with few places to turn. “They are ready to graduate and do not know what they want to do and this gives them something to think about,” Quiroga said. The Explorer program will feature regular meetings at Mike’s Roofing and Building Service, and students will hear speakers and make visits to homes and commercial buildings, a construction supply house and a roofing material manufacturer. Quiroga said his employees will be involved as advisors and will tell the students about the different aspects of the construction industry. A production manager, for instance, can discuss ordering materials and pulling permits, Quiroga said. “Everyone has a role to teach the kids all the phases of construction,” Quiroga said. A native of Bolivia, Quiroga started his company in 1972 with one truck to offer both roofing and general contracting services. He has contributed to Van Nuys Rotary Club, Mid Valley YMCA, Tierra Del Sol and other community organizations. The Explorer program is offered through Learning for Life, a nonprofit, to provide real world career and leadership development opportunities. — Mark R. Madler

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