"I want to try to get into a union after I go to college, hopefully at Wentworth (Institute of Technology). I want to have a fallback plan," Standeford said, pride evident in his eyes.

"The teachers let you be creative, and you can make anything you want to," he said of the program, standing behind a fountain complete with streams of water slipping delicately over detailed metal leaves.

The department creates custom-to-order work, and its display table exhibited everything from holiday-themed candleholders to ornate wall hangings.

Besides showcasing the opportunities available to incoming eighth-graders, the fair boasted finger-painting and kid's activities, as well as free food prepared by the vocational program's culinary students.

"The whole event was student-driven," said Philip Bassett, Vocational Director of the Somerville public school system. "The fair gives students the opportunity to show off what they've done, and the opportunity to do this gets us out to the community to say, 'This is who we are.'"

Bassett, who has been the director of the program for eight years, was in full character for the event, dressed in a bright yellow button up and hardhat as he referred to himself as "Bob the Builder."

The program at Somerville High, which consists of fifteen vocational programs, claims some impressive statistics. While 72 percent of students in the program went on to college last year, 100 percent passed the MCAS exam.

Senior Neli Arruda has been involved in the Cosmetology program for the past two years, and would eventually like to get her aesthetician's license and work in a spa.

"The program is really hands-on, and you learn so much," Arruda said, standing next to a long table displaying acrylic nail designs and plastic doll heads sporting various hair and make-up styles. "It's also much cheaper than a (tuition-based) vocational school."