Trevor Hottinger first walked into The Table at Curtis dining hall as a high school student, hoping to gain some job skills, like washing dishes and cleaning.

But his hard work and mastery of his responsibilities impressed the Denison Hospitality staff.

Just a few months into his senior year, Trevor was shocked and thrilled to get an offer from Harvest Table Culinary Group — which runs Denison’s dining services —  achieving his goal of finding a job long before he crossed the stage at graduation.

Now a graduate of Utica High School and the ITEC program at the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) Trevor, 18, is looking forward to continuing his job at Denison when students return to the college in August. 

He might even have the opportunity to mentor future ITEC students and show them what is possible, said Kathy Hubbard, ITEC’s job training coordinator.

“This is really the ultimate goal for the ITEC program, that they graduate and advance directly to employment,” she said “It is all a result of Trevor’s hard work.”

Trevor first found out about ITEC during a sophomore hands-on day at C-TEC, but the program has been around since 2005, Kathy said 

ITEC stands for Individualized Transition Education to Careers. The program is designed to give high school juniors and seniors with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) training on the soft skills needed for employment. Over two years, they gain authentic work experiences at six community businesses.

Students spend one or two days a week at ITEC but still have several days at their home schools so they can maintain connections with teachers and friends, Kathy said. This was helpful for Trevor who participated in marching band and basketball at UHS.

Over the two years of his program, Trevor worked at the Early Learning Center at Southwest Licking Schools, Lettuce Work Nursery and TheGolfWorks as well as the dining hall at Denison.

When he accepted his job offer at Denison, he transitioned into an early placement program, allowing him to continue to receive support from Kathy, but start his job immediately.

Trevor was always motivated as a student and that continues as an employee.

“I want to be a good worker for Denison,” he said. 

Most of his time at Curtis was spent collecting and washing dishes and cleaning but he occasionally had the opportunity to serve food. 

He said he enjoys the work but also has made friends with his coworkers. In January, he was recognized as Employee of the Month.

“They liked my work ethic, and I can take constructive feedback well,” Trevor said. 

Trevor was also excited to find out he was selected by the Aktion Club of Licking County to receive their Outstanding ITEC student award. He was recently recognized at C-TEC’s annual senior awards ceremony and received a $500 scholarship.

That funding will help him save up for a vehicle as he works to get his drivers license.

For his parents, Krista and Tim Hottinger, Trevor’s recent success is an example of the persistent mindset that has served him throughout his life.

“He’s always been a fighter,” Krista said. “He always wanted to do things himself, he’s a go-getter!”

Trevor likes to help people and working at Denison is a great fit for his friendly personality, Krista added.

“We are both very proud and excited for him!” she said.