Permian High senior signs ‘letter of intent’ to work as welder/assembler

A Permian High senior signed a letter of intent in front of her family, friends and the local media on Wednesday — but it wasn’t the typical college scholarship offer. Rather, it was a job offer.

In a ceremonial event aiming to renew the emphasis on trade skills in America, Brizzia Guzman signed a letter of intent to work as a welder/assembler for Air Compressor Solutions (ACS), according to Ector County ISD.

“The event was designed to draw attention to this critical, final step in preparing students for our local workforce – that is the student securing a job in a high-demand, high-wage field right here in her hometown,” school district officials said.

Brizzia, who studies in the ECISD welding program, hooked up with ACS via the district programs that connect students with employers.

According to the Odessa American, Wednesday’s signing resulted from a collaboration to connect students in ECISD Career and Technical Education with employers in energy, healthcare and culinary arts. Thus far, “more than 26 students have been placed in careers in these sectors,” the newspaper reported.

ACS owner Brian Stubbs was described as a big supporter of education and trades skills-building.

“I love that this [signing] is just as big a deal as somebody going off to college,” he said. “It needs to be made a big deal that we are graduating people with skills and they are getting jobs the day after graduation.”

Brizzia will graduate from PHS on Thursday, May 25, and start her new job with ACS on June 5.

“It’s really exciting,” said Brizzia. “[I’m] very nervous at the same time. You’re realizing you’re becoming an adult already.”

Read more on her story on the district’s website here, or in NewsWest 9 or the Odessa American.