ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) – Giving vermont students a helping hand in finding their future career, at the first annual Tech Discovery Day.
Saint Albans 8th-graders gathered at the Collins Perley Sports Center to build catapults and try-on virtual reality goggles.
The Maple Run Unified School District and the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation worked together to put on the event, connecting students and local businesses.
“What we’re finding out is that it’s a better way for students to learn, hands-on rather than sitting in a classroom. We’ve really heard that message today,” Tom Smith, Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation said.
The event encouraged middle school students to think about future careers sooner rather than later.
Over 180 students cycled through five activity stations, meeting with representatives from businesses like aerospace company BETA technologies and Ray’s Dies and Tubing, which supplies the medical device industry.
“There’s so many places, just in Franklin county, just in St. Albans, that are looking for kids who want to stay local, who want to work hard, who have no problem learning on the job,” Kregg Kittell, of Ray’s Dies and Tubing said.
Business leaders hope this will help students spark an interest in manufacturing, robotics, and technology-related careers.
“It’s really opened up my eyes from not knowing much about technology to knowing more and knowing that there are more opportunities that I have,” Jason Guerino said.
Organizers say events like this are important in retaining a strong vermont workforce.
“If we can start building the pipeline now, then our region will be better off for it,” Smith said.
Organizers are hoping to put on similar events at other school districts in the area in the future.