| Volume 38 | Number 1 |
Winter 2007 |
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Home > Features |
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Cardinali, 24, was arrested in November 2005 for second degree burglary while on probation with deferred sentences for several offenses, including a felony for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol. Cardinali said he has been arrested twice for driving under the influence, twice for second degree burglary, three times for driving under suspension and twice for no insurance. He said he began to spiral out of control about six years ago when his father was killed. “I’ve been on my own since I was 16,” Cardinali said. “I never really had a direction in life.” After his arrest, Cardinali entered the drug court program with the help of his probation officer. He submits to daily drug and alcohol tests. If he fails the drug court program, he gets a mandatory five-years incarceration. So far, he’s passed all his tests. His probation officer then encouraged him to enter the new Autry Technology Center program that is helping Cardinali get back on the right path. “My probation officer picked me out of everybody,” he said. Youthful Offender Program, a partnership between Autry Tech and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, is giving Cardinali and others in similar situations job and life skills training. The program is preparing up to 24 students each year for successful careers in welding. Classes are being held at the Autry campus at Enid Woodring Regional Airport. “We see it as a chance to help people succeed in the workplace,” said Karen Martin, director of student services at Autry. The program is using the area formerly occupied by the aviation technology program. That program was canceled because of declining enrollment last spring. “This pilot program was a perfect opportunity to fill a need within the community,” said Molly Helm, Autry marketing director. Funding for the program is provided by DOC, ODCTE and other grants. Workforce Investment Act through Community Development Support Association also is involved. Autry provided the space, supplies and instructor and remodeled the work area to include 12 individually ventilated work stations. “It’s a high-demand job, and it’s high-paying,” said Karen Martin. And that’s what Cardinali is looking forward to with his new career. Cardinali has worked since he was 18 in the oil fields. He said he is looking forward to becoming a high-paid welder, then sharing his earnings with a helper. “Instead of being somebody’s hand, I’ll be the person making $85 an hour,” Cardinali said. Ryland Stonehocker, the welding program instructor, said upon completion of the program, the graduates will be in high demand. He said pay is based on experience and location, but welders with proper certification can make anywhere from $15 per hour and up in local shops. In Chile, contractors are paying up to $68 per hour, and in Alaska, welders with their own equipment and helpers can make anywhere from $40-$65 per hour. “It depends on what you want to do and where you want to go,” Stonehocker said. The training also includes required certification before completion. The program has stringent entrance guidelines, as well. The program’s administrators want successful students. Assess-ment tests are given, and attendance is mandatory. “They’ve got to want to do it,” Helm said. Helm said the multiple partnerships are helping reach a particular portion of the population. “It’s a segment of our community that needs training,” Helm said. “If they have a skill, they have a chance to be successful.” Cardinali said the help of several people, including his probation officer, has put him on a path toward success. Cardinali meets with counselor Michelle Under-wood three times each week. He said he also is grateful to Judge John Michael for his help in drug court. Cardinali also credits Stonehocker because “he’s the one that’s given me my skills.” Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc |
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About
a year ago, it seemed like the world was coming down around Anthony Cardinali.