HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hard hats, stethoscopes, welding helmets and a whole lot of curiosity filled Wallace State Community College’s Hanceville campus Tuesday as eighth graders from across the region got an early look at the careers that could shape their futures.
Wallace State hosted its annual Tools of the Trade career showcase Tuesday, Oct. 27, welcoming students from Cullman, Blount and Winston counties for a day of hands-on career exploration.
“The Career and Workforce Development team here at Wallace State puts on Tools of the Trade every year for all of our eighth-grade students in our service area,” said Lauren Wilson, Wallace State’s dean of the Oneonta Campus and early college programs. “So today we have about 1,600 eighth-grade students visiting us to learn all about career choices, college choices, job opportunities and things that they can look forward to as they begin to plan their future.”
A day of discovery
Throughout the day, students rotated through exhibits and interactive stations showcasing dozens of career pathways in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, public safety, information technology and other high-demand fields. Along the way, they talked with representatives from local businesses and industries, as well as Wallace State’s academic, health and technical programs.
The event is designed to help students connect with future career opportunities and see the high-demand jobs available right in their own communities.
Timing is everything
Tools of the Trade reaches students at a key moment, just before they head into high school and begin choosing classes and pathways.
“By engaging students at this stage, we can spark curiosity and help them begin thinking about the education and training” they’ll need for future opportunities, Wallace State Career Services Specialist Adam West said in announcing this year’s event.
Local businesses were invited to take part at no cost, and organizers encouraged them to bring interactive activities and demonstrations to give students a real feel for the work. Businesses could also support the event through sponsorships or by volunteering as guides to help students navigate the day.
A community effort
Tools of the Trade is presented by Wallace State Community College, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Cullman Economic Development Agency, the Blount County Economic Development Agency and Cullman County Economic Development.
For more information about Wallace State’s career and workforce programs, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
