Kids made major commitments at Kootenai Technical Education Campus Thursday, when 10 students signed agreements to enter job training after they graduate.

Eight KTEC students enlisted in the military, with up to six-year commitments, and two agreed to join private-sector car dealerships as maintenance technicians in exchange for job training and certification.

“I’m definitely a little nervous, but I’m also really excited,” said Tyler Jacobson, 17. “This is an awesome opportunity that they specifically picked me for.”

Tyler signed an agreement with Knudtsen Chevrolet to receive two years of 100% paid tuition for every A, 80% for each B and 40% for each C. Knudtsen will also pay room and board for training at College of Southern Idaho, where he’ll earn certification to be a maintenance technician. Knudtsen will also provide Tyler with tools. He'll have the opportunity to build a career with Knudtsen.

Parker Toyota offered Ashton Phay a similar deal. Like Tyler, Ashton has completed an internship and job shadow with Parker Toyota through KTEC. Parker’s managers aggressively worked to hire Ashton for the next few years, so Parker will pay 80% of his tuition in the T-10 program at Spokane Community College. The two-year program will be covered, and Ashton will have a job for years at Parker, with opportunities for growth. He intends to stay with Parker beyond his two-year commitment, because the company is investing in him and he feels loyal.

“All the manufacturers are understanding that if you want good employees, you’ve gotta make them,” said Brandon Scheets, service manager for Knudtsen Chevrolet. “The cool part about it, when they come out of training, they don’t have this mountain of debt.”

Knudtsen and Parker also have high standards for the people they hire and, in the fierce job market, they have to have a lot to offer.

"Employees are what makes the company," Scheets said.

Knudtsen has a maintenance tech on staff now who is just finishing his second year of schooling this semester through the same tuition program, and says he intends to stay. Employee retention helps Knudtsen, as experienced employees are turning 65 and aging out, Scheets said.

“We’ve had really good success with this program," he said.

The students have a lot they bring to the companies, too. Tyler thought for a long time he’d go to college on a basketball scholarship before he started going to KTEC. When he began studying mechanics, like his father Keith Jacobson who is a retired mechanic, Tyler transferred his fervor for basketball to excelling as a technician.

Navy recruiters have big successes every year through KTEC and, this year, half the students who signed were joining the Navy. The other three are joining the Army.

“I think the inclination to serve the country is still pretty prominent out here,” said Navy recruiter and Petty Officer Travis Goff.

Goff is a recruitment manager and oversees Petty Officer Meghan Wadsworth, a Navy recruiter in the Panhandle who encourages students to enlist in the Navy. Wadsworth also substitute teaches at KTEC, when she can, as part of her recruitment strategy.

The five future sailors who signed Thursday are Connor Farkas, Berg Zednik, Daniel Schlothauer, Kendell Bentley and Ryan Mondine. Each student already has job assignments as part of their signing. Berg will be a damage controller — much like a first responder, he’ll work on emergency situations to conduct de-escalations or put out fires. Daniel will be a Navy Seal like his father, and has already passed the physical tests. He’s excited he’ll have extra workouts through boot camp and basic training. Ryan will be an aviation mechanic and should be lined up to join the Blue Angels, the renowned demonstration flight squad. Connor will join as an electrician’s mate and Kendell will be a logistics specialist.

Beyond their work training, joint service transcripts and the two years of experience from their time in the Navy, the five recruits will have opportunities for tuition assistance or student loan forgiveness. And their recruiter enthusiastically encouraged the students to commit long-term to the Navy to be able to retire by the time they turn 50.

Austin Hood, Avery Wuest-Hendry and Katrina Evans signed agreements to join the Army when they graduate.

The Army recruits each received a check between $77,000 and $104,000 for signing that will be redeemable as a bonus or for training or tuition reimbursement when they complete their commitments. The amounts were determined by factors like test scores, job assignments and enrollment status.

Austin got to choose his first station location in Germany as part of his agreement and he’s studying German in advance of moving.

The 10 students felt a range of emotions from confident enthusiasm for hardcore workouts to tentative nervousness at leaving home. Some were apprehensive at making major life changes. But, generally, the students, instructors, recruiters and employers all felt that everyone wins.

We want to celebrate your student scholar! Send a high-resolution photo to dweeks@cdapress.com of your students signing letters of intent. Please include their names and high schools as well as the name of the higher education institute and program they'll pursue.