Many people argue that youths today lack direction, but don’t tell that to 17-year-old Conor White of Wareham.

His achievements in the field of plumbing and heating at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School have garnered him the accolades of his instructors and peers. And this month, White's prowess in the field has gained him recognition from the Massachusetts Vocational Association.

The Upper Cape senior is one of 50 students from around the Commonwealth who will receive the Massachusetts Vocational Association's Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award this year for academic excellence and technical expertise.

“He is a hard-working young man,” said the school’s Superintendent Kevin Farr. “He is a model student and a leader in the school.”

This is not the first time White has been honored for his excellence in the field. Last year he took home the silver medal for his performance in the plumbing and heating portion of the SkillsUSA State Competition.  This year he won the gold medal in the SkillsUSA District Competition, which qualifies him to compete on the state level for a second time.

While many graduating seniors anxiously await college acceptance letters, White will make a seamless transition into the work force when he graduates in June.

“Working is my summer plan,” he said with a smile.

White said he is looking forward to starting his full-time position at John J. Maurer Inc., a Bourne-based plumbing and heating business, upon finishing school.

As a part of his curriculum, White has been interning for the company.

“It’s a great program,” White said about Upper Cape’s course structure. He alternates between one week of classes and one week of interning. “I’ve learned everything I needed,” he said.

Despite his multiple honors in the plumbing and heating field, White said he wasn’t always certain about his career choice.

“At first I wanted to go to Upper Cape to be an electrician,” he explained.

White changed his mind during a six-week exploratory process all freshmen at the school are required to complete before choosing an area of study.

“I really enjoyed plumbing,” he said. “And I had a knack for it.”

White will be given the Massachusetts Vocational Association's Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award at a dinner in Worcester on April 14.