Events
Skilled Trades Careers on Display
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 12, 2024) – Careers in skilled trades were on display Friday at Wake Tech's Beltline Education Center for the second Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Trades Day.
Organized by the ACE Mentor Program of Raleigh, the event is designed to excite and introduce high school students to a variety of trade careers they can enter after graduation. ACE is an after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by providing them a unique opportunity to work with industry professionals, develop critical-thinking skills and explore a variety of career paths.
Some 200 Wake County high school students attended and learned about careers as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, mechanical and electrical engineers and others through hands-on, interactive trade stations.
The event was set up in Wake Tech's WakeWorks® Apprenticeship Lab, and students got to see cool robots and other simulated equipment in action.
Twenty local contractors and vendors introduced their trade specialties to the students and talked about their career paths, salary range, education and training needed and what they enjoy about their career.
The students also got the opportunity to learn about Wake Tech's training programs in architecture, construction and engineering, as well as apprenticeship opportunities that allow students to earn a wage while they learn.
Bill Seyler, chair of ACE Mentoring of Raleigh, said he is appreciative of the program's partnership with Wake Tech for Trades Day.
"This is our second event, and we are excited to be here today to expose students to trades as a viable post-secondary opportunity where they can make a viable living in rewarding careers," Seyler said.
