Eastern Alumnus Spotlight: Justin Dillalogue

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology () 1998 Welding Technology/Abington High School graduate, Justin Dillalogue, works for Local 1456 as a Commercial Diver.

As a union worker, Dillalogue works for many different companies on a project-by-project basis. Currently, his work has him in Manhattan rehabilitating a pier at Fulton Fish Market at .

After the pier is rehabilitated, the Fulton Fish Market, which is a historic landmark, can once again be used for public use.

Dillalogue was always more of a hands-on learner.

His high school counselor told him about EASTERN and he decided to take a tour. During that tour, Justin met , EASTERN’s Welding Technology instructor.

Devine talked about the job prospects and opportunities in the welding field and the money that could be earned.

While at EASTERN Dillalogue saw a magazine ad for Divers Academy International in Erial, NJ. The underwater welding aspect of the field interested Justin and he knew that was a way to increase his earning potential using the same trade. After graduation from Commercial Divers Academy, Justin began working as a non-union diver and traveled throughout the entire United States for about four years until getting into the union.

“Career and technical high schools do not eliminate you from attending college,” said Dillalogue. “It provides you with a trade to fall back on. To learn a life-long skill for free in high school saves time and money in college. I have many friends who should have attended, but didn’t realize it at the time. Even if you don’t use the skills you gained at EASTERN in your career, a program provides something valuable and fun, and knowledge that will last a lifetime.”

EASTERN’s Welding Technology program students learn about the properties of different types of metals and how to join them using state-of-the-art welding equipment. The program prepares students for success in such career fields as mechanical, aerospace or industrial engineering, physical metallurgist, business owner, and welding engineer.

Information courtesy of Eastern Center for Arts and Technolgy.

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EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Those districts include Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career. The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org. Like Us? Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter