Events
High School Students Learn About Careers in Skilled Trades
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 28, 2025) – High school students came to Wake Tech Friday to experience what it would be like to enter a career in skilled trades. More than 200 Wake County high school students attended the third Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Trades Day at the WakeWorks® Apprenticeship Center at the college's Beltline Education Center.
The ACE Mentor Program of Raleigh helped organize the event, which is designed to excite and introduce high school students to a variety of trade careers they can enter after graduation.
Local contractors and vendors introduced trade specialties including plumbing, construction and HVAC to students and talked about their career paths, salary range, education and what they enjoy about their career. Students also took advantage of interactive stations. They operated power tools, learned how to build a wall with bricks and tried on virtual reality goggles used in design and construction.
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.
Isaac Carroll, a senior at Sanderson High School, is already thinking about the possibilities that await him after he graduates in June.
"I am coming to Wake Tech," said Carroll. "I want to go into the construction industry, and I am ready to get started with classes and hands-on training."
Myra Beckers, director of Skilled Workforce Training & Apprenticeship at Wake Tech, says this interactive event is designed for students like Carroll.
"There is a high demand for industry professionals in the skilled trades and a growing shortage in the construction workforce," said Beckers. "Programs and events like this help high school students explore the numerous training pathways available to them."
Bill Seyler, chair of the ACE Mentor Program of Raleigh, agrees.
"Many students are looking for a more cost-effective means of getting a well-paying job," Seyler said. "This an opportunity to expose them to some of those types of jobs. It's a win for everyone."
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.
