Hutto teacher wears t-shirts to promote trade jobs

Every Wednesday, teachers at Hutto Middle School are able to sport their college t-shirts to get their students interested in higher education. Bill Rhoades wanted to wear something different this year.

HUTTO, Texas - Every Wednesday, teachers at Hutto Middle School are able to sport their college t-shirts.

Bill Rhoades, who teaches Texas history, wanted to do something different this year.

Bill Rhoades. ( )

Rhoades took to Facebook, telling the people of Round Rock that he would like to promote trades in school, and asked if any small business would like to drop off a shirt for him to wear on Wednesdays.

"I've worked like the first 5 minutes of my classes into talking about the shirt that I'm wearing and talking about the options and opportunities that they offer," Rhoades said.

Rhoades’ Facebook post got a lot of attention: over 100 companies reached out to him, several dropping off shirts.

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This week, Rhoades was excited to sport one of the first shirts he got delivered.

"We talked first this week about AirCo, and I have some just personal information with them because both of my sons work there. I have one who's a plumber and one who's an electrician," Rhoades said.

Rhoades says the shirts are a conversation starter for some students who aren't interested in going to college or joining the military. The shirts remind those students there are other options out there.

"The only thing I can do, and I'm like, I'm finding out new things every day from the outreach. So, I'm really, really excited to, every week, you know, bring in a new company, a new line of work. I'm learning along with them as well," Rhoades said.

Hutto ISD offers many opportunities for students to receive industry-based certifications.

If you are interested donating a shirt to Mr. Rhoades, you can drop it off at Hutto Middle School.