More than 3,000 students to explore careers at Southeastern Community College event
WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WWAY) — More than 3,000 elementary school students from Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools will get a hands-on look at career opportunities during Southeastern Community College’s second Careers on Wheels event.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, and will feature vehicles, equipment and interactive demonstrations from more than 40 local employers and organizations.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will have the opportunity to meet professionals, explore equipment used in different industries and learn about careers available in their communities.
Participating organizations include law enforcement agencies, automotive dealerships, Brunswick Electric, Carolina Power & Signalization, transportation companies, landscaping businesses and the Forestry Service.
Students will also have opportunities to explore careers in cosmetology, agriculture and other industries.
“The employers and organizations participating represent a wide mix of career fields,” said Chalisse Neely, SCC apprenticeship specialist.
The event builds on the college’s inaugural Careers on Wheels event in March, which welcomed students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Columbus County Schools.
This year’s event marks the first time Whiteville City Schools will participate.
According to SCC officials, the college adjusted the event’s format based on feedback from employers and school partners. Elementary students will attend in the fall, while students in sixth through eighth grades will have a separate event in the spring.
“Employers requested earlier access to students,” said Angie Ransom, SCC associate vice president. “It is never too early to engage with students and spark their interests in lifelong careers that will affect generations to come.”
Participating schools include Old Dock Elementary, Chadbourn Elementary, Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary, West Columbus, Acme-Delco Elementary, Tabor City, Williams Township and Nakina Middle School.
Whiteville Primary School and Edgewood Elementary School will also participate.
Tina Little, Columbus County Schools director of Career Technical Education and Federal Programs, said the event gives students opportunities to learn about careers beyond the classroom.
“The Careers on Wheels event moves career exploration from simply learning about careers to hands-on, face-to-face interactions where students get to actually meet the employers, see the equipment and experience the opportunities connected to the careers,” Little said.
SCC officials say the goal is to introduce students to potential career paths at an early age while helping them understand the education and training opportunities available through the college.
The event will take place in parking lots surrounding SCC’s A, C and T buildings.
The college is still seeking additional businesses and organizations interested in participating, particularly those that can bring specialized vehicles or equipment.
Interested employers can contact Neely at 910-788-6433 or chalisse.neely@sccnc.edu for more information.
