Vehicle Career Day Gives Students a Hands-On Look at Future Jobs

ZANESVILLE, Ohio–Students at Nashport Elementary got a hands-on look at their futures today during a special vehicle career day.

The career fair gave 3rd-6th graders a chance to explore a wide range of professions, many of which come with some pretty cool wheels. From firefighters and Ohio State Patrol officers to media professionals and HVAC technicians, students had the opportunity to interact with both the people and the equipment behind the jobs.

“Students have a list of questions that they can ask about what it’s like to be employed in these areas, what kind of education they might need, maybe some questions about what salary they might make, what a typical day might look like, so it’s just another career exploration activity to get these kids thinking about their futures and maybe some jobs that would vehicles might be on some of their lists,” Mid-East Elementary Career Specialist Stacey Snider said. 

Students were encouraged to ask questions and think critically about their futures. One Mid-East graduate returned to inspire the next generation, standing side by side with Titus Mills, a current Mid-East HVAC student to show what’s possible.

“It gives me a certain ability to understand that I have a future because he’s not that long out of graduation and he’s already done great things, he’s learned a lot, he’s made big steps with Thorne and I mean we’ve had the same teacher, we’re in the same place in the same shoes at the same time so it’s definitely reassuring to see he’s made something out of it. Shows me I can too,” Mills said.

Staff from both Mid-East and Nashport say the goal is to plant the seeds early, so students leave with more than just a fun day, but a clearer idea of the road ahead.