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Trades Exploration

BEF invests in career-connected learning activities that help 75 middle schoolers learn about construction, auto tech, and manufacturing CTE programs available in Beaverton high schools. As a result, these 7th and 8th graders are better prepared to move onto high school and many discover new career aspirations. High school students benefit as well as they provide peer-to-peer learning opportunities as they show off the skills they have learned and talk about career and college plans after graduation.
Middle School Students learning welding during Trades Exploration workshops

At A Glance:

BEF Investment: $7,500.00

75

Students explored the trades and CTE pathways

9

Field trips to Auto Tech, Construction, and Manufacturing CTE program sites

Middle schoolers don’t have the same opportunities to explore career pathways that high schoolers do. To encourage career related experiences beginning in middle school, the Trades Exploration Program served 75 students across three middle schools to give them hands-on experiences with high school Career Technical Education (CTE) sites.

Students took part in a series of workshops throughout the year during which they learned about construction, auto tech, and manufacturing careers. The goal of the program is to show these students industry-related skills, safety, teamwork, and problem-solving within each of the industries. Students gained a better understanding of what options are available in high school and how these programs align with various trades and non-college pathways to future success.

"

My only question is when is the next exploration? This is way overdue in public education, we are so grateful for this experience.

Parent

"

My daughter won't stop talking about welding! She’s as excited as I have ever seen her!

Parent

"

I wish there was something like this for my son years ago!

Parent

"

I have never seen my students more engaged. When they return from one of their Trades Explorations, they share what they have made and what they did all day with their peers.

Teacher

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Trades Exploration is a game changer in terms of how our students consider the trades as a possible career path. In middle school students do not often think about their future careers, bringing their hands to work makes all the difference in their world.

Teacher

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