During the spring of his senior year in 2026 at Osbourn High School in Manassas, VA, Hector participated in Future in Focus, a pilot program developed in partnership with NV3C and two local school divisions. Future in Focus gave seniors interested in the construction industry the opportunity to explore high-demand careers with local employers through hands-on experiences and direct exposure to a variety of trades. The program helped Hector gain a better understanding of the opportunities available in the industry and provided a clear path toward a career in construction.
Now, just months after graduating, Hector is building his career with Carter Machinery and gaining valuable hands-on experience every day.
What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with. From my very first day, my coworkers made me feel welcome and helped me fit in right away. Everyone is supportive, helpful, and always looking out for one another. Their encouragement and willingness to share their knowledge have made it easy for me to learn and grow on the job.
One thing that has surprised me most is the variety of equipment I get to operate. So far, I’ve learned how to use six different types of equipment, and I’m excited to continue building my skills. Every new piece of equipment gives me another opportunity to learn something new and become more versatile in my trade. The combination of a supportive team and the chance to gain hands-on experience every day has confirmed that I made the right choice by participating in Future in Focus and pursuing a career in the construction industry.