The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Booster Club, led by John Stenz and Heather Poush from FORCE America, executed Northfield’s largest career exploration event for youth on May 17. Over 35 local employers and well over 500 students from grades 7 through 12 participated in this year’s Business and Technical Trades Career Exploration Day. The day is aimed to introduce youth to careers in the trades and technical fields.

Through interactive displays, presentations from professionals (including an underwater welder!), and conversations with representatives from local 2-year colleges, youth gained a better understanding of the many career options that exist and the pathways to get there. Parents were invited to attend this year’s event, and many took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about 21st Century careers.

“Our 2nd annual Business and Technical Trades Career Exploration Day was a huge success. Our vendors do a terrific job with our students. With the Northfield Promise cradle-to-career pathway in front of us, this event is just one of many ways Northfield Middle School is working on preparing our students to be career and college ready.”  -Greg Gelineau, Northfield Middle School Principal

“This was an amazing event. It was a convergence of people with various backgrounds and skill sets coming together to promote various business and technical career opportunities. We hope to do it again next year!”  -Michael O’Keefe, Northfield Middle School Assistant Principal & Activities Director

Huge thanks for making the event such a success to: John Stenz and his FORCE America team; the administration and CTE teachers at the Northfield Middle and High School; and the enthusiasm of Northfield’s employer community!

The planning team is already looking forward to next year’s event, which will be held in May 2017. If you would like to be involved, please reach out to us at youthfuture@northfieldschools.org.

Find more information about this year’s event here.