Owen Wilbanks has a goal: by the time his friends finish college, he wants to own a house. He’s eighteen, he just graduated from Empower College and Career Center, and he’s already doing the math. 

Owen recently joined Southern Geotechnical Consultants as a field technician, and he enjoys the variety of job sites, traveling to test concrete for a commercial warehouse pour, or working at an elementary school on a gymnasium project. 

“I kind of get to go different places every day,” Owen said. “I’m not always in the same spot.” 

HireSmart Cares supported Owen’s transition into the trades with a work boot voucher, part of its program recognizing high school graduates who step directly into careers after high school.  

Owen attended Empower College and Career Center, where he learned real-world skills as he earned his diploma. He was active in FFA, which he says taught him so much. 

“It taught me how to communicate with others effectively,” he said. “Being on time — turning in assignments in school on time for years, and now it’s like it’s relevant.” 

At SGC, Owen runs slump and air tests on concrete, logs trucks, and files reports on the tests he runs. The reports document what was tested, where, what the results were, and what the weather conditions were at the time. 

He’s also already thinking ahead. SGC offers certifications in the various inspection disciplines the company performs, and Owen knows that earning those credentials is how he moves up. His goal is to work his way from field technician to senior field technician, and he’s not ruling out staying with the company long-term. 

“I’m really liking it here right now,” he said. “I could see myself possibly staying with them fifteen, twenty years.” 

Owen says the college first, career later, debt along the way path wasn’t the right for him. 

“A lot of times in school we’re told college is high and mighty, like college degrees mean a lot,” he said. “But I’m starting to learn that college degrees don’t really mean all that much if you don’t want to continue with school. Right after high school, it’s okay to go get a job and work for a little bit.” 

He added: “If you’re willing to keep your head down and work hard, the workforce is more than willing to have you.” 

Owen is living at home for now, stacking savings with a clear intention. The plan is to keep expenses low for as long as possible — “as long as mom and dad will let me,” he said — and put money aside toward a house.