James Ritchie, a 12th grader at South Rand High School, operates a pressure washing business as his SAE program, offering services for farm equipment, fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, and more. He learned the trade from his grandfather who started the company in the 1970s, and now works alongside his father to handle chemical mixing, equipment operation, and customer interactions. Through his experience, James has developed practical skills in safety procedures, chemical handling, equipment maintenance, and customer service while using the AET website to track his business records for proficiency awards.
