New Hanover County seventh graders learn about career paths in the field

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Dozens of seventh graders in New Hanover County got a first-hand look at jobs in four important fields. 

It’s part of a county-wide program that aims to introduce middle schoolers to local job opportunities. 

On Tuesday, seventh graders from Williston Middle toured the construction site of the new River Lights Fire Station. 

Students received hands-on presentations from experts about working in real estate, engineering, architecture and construction. 

It’s part of a program that all seventh graders in New Hanover County take part in known as Career and Leadership Development Academy. 

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce started the program three years ago to boost local talent entering the job market. 

Jason Lovelace with Samet Construction said the program opens local industries to a new generation of workers. 

“There’s so many opportunities for children that exist that they don’t even know about. So having a program like CLDA for them to see the opportunities, grab the opportunities, be immersed in them, it’s really beneficial,” Lovelace said. 

“It is really cool and you get to experience more than you ever could on any other field trip,” Williston Student Bryson Kelley added. 

“I think kids will be able to understand it better if they see it in person and not just on a TV screen or an article,” Williston Student Zaya Porter noted. 

The chamber said CLDA is first program of its kind in the state, and that other chambers across the country are interested in starting their own.