Oct 25, 2021

Several employees from U. S. Steel’s Gary Works recently resumed in-person visits to local high schools to discuss careers in steel and dispel a few popular myths about the industry.  Visits were suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Jason Rodriguez (Training Representative), MarQus Williams (Safety & Industrial Hygiene Specialist), and Charissa Childers (Union Safety Instructor & Operating Technician) visited Lowell High School (Lowell, IN) and East Chicago Central High School (East Chicago, IN).  They visited with a mixture of students, including some enrolled in technical training programs. 

The U. S. Steel team discussed the types of jobs available to students after high school and the benefits we offer, including learner’s programs and tuition reimbursement for 2- or 4-year higher education programs.  They also dispelled some myths about the steel industry, stressing the increasingly high-tech aspects of many jobs and our record-setting safety performance.  In addition, Charissa shared her personal story about going from a single mom on government assistance programs to a college graduate with no student debt thanks to her decision to join U. S. Steel.  MarQus also discussed the importance of setting goals in life and being intentional in everything you do. 

Jason, MarQus and Charissa will continue school visits like these throughout the 2021-22 school year and be joined by Marsha Thatcher (Employee Relations Representative) in the spring, who will provide more detailed guidance to graduating seniors making decisions about what’s next for them.  

Photos above, all courtesy of Maren Lee at East Chicago Central High School

Photo 1: Charissa Childers speaking to East Chicago Central High School students.  MarQus Williams (standing, blue shirt) and Jason Rodriguez are seated to the left. 

Photo 2: Jason Rodriguez (standing at center) speaking to East Chicago Central High School students.  Charissa Childers and MarQus Williams are seated to the left.