Acquiring Job Skills For Life Project Future Gives Employment Training To 22 Special Education Students In Upper Darby.

Andrew Murray arrives at work before he's supposed to. He learns "a lot of neat stuff," he says, including carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and painting.

And he doesn't let anything stand in his way, including his mental retardation.

"As far as hard-working, no one has it over that boy," said Bob Bateman, Murray's supervisor at Upper Darby School District's maintenance department.

The district recently hired Murray, 18, to continue his school year job through the summer.

He's just one of 22 special education students in the Upper Darby School District who learned job and life skills in the district's Project Future program this year.

The students, who are mentally retarded or learning disabled, work at local businesses in clerical, maintenance and food service jobs.

This week Murray helped build the stage for his own graduation tonight at Upper Darby High School.

"They all like me out here," Murray said.

And that they do.

Mike Miele, supervisor of facilities at the district, said Murray has his recommendation for a full-time job after the summer if there is a spot to be filled.

He's at work even before he's supposed to be, Miele said, and he's always smiling.

All students in Project Future learn how to get and keep a job, said Nancy Wentzel, the district's special education job development coordinator.

Some learn to file business documents. Some learn to cook. Some, like Murray, learn maintenance skills.

The students also get high school credit. Some even get paid.

In morning classroom sessions, the students learn how to read want ads and how to complete applications, Wentzel said.

They learn how to deal with customers, co-workers and employers. They learn how to check in and out on a time clock. They even learn how to use the vending machines at breaktime.

They also learn what attitude is right for work, Wentzel said.

"They have to recognize that the job can be tedious . . . and they need a work ethic," she said.

But the students learn even more than that.

"We also learned a lot about friendship . . . and how to help each other," said Martes Tingling, 15, a student who worked in the kitchen at Delaware County Memorial Hospital this year.

Jerry Gallagher, 16, helped recycle at the hospital. He learned how to follow directions and solve problems, he said. He also learned what others in the workforce have learned: What it's like "waiting for Friday."

Wentzel said, "The program creates a partnership between the community and the school district."

Students benefit from the work experience, while businesses benefit from a new source of workers, she said. Employers also get personal satisfaction by working with the kids.

Bateman, Murray's supervisor, said, "I know the program has enriched myself, and I know it's helped Andy."

Local businesses that have participated in Project Future include: Loehmann's Ladies Apparel, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse, Pennock Insurance Agency, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Rickel Home Center and the Fireside Family Restaurant.

Prospective employers and others interested in obtaining more information should contact Wentzel at Upper Darby High School at 622-7000.