Wayne Community College and Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) presented their third “Careers on Wheels” event at the College, giving young students the chance to explore possibilities available to them in the future.
Careers on Wheels raises awareness of trade pathways and future career options for students locally. Fifth graders from 12 schools in Wayne County attended the event, learning more about career opportunities by speaking with employers and taking an up-close look at the vehicles used in their fields.
Industries such as construction, forestry, law enforcement, fire and rescue, pest control, and healthcare were represented by vehicles like trucks, cars, ambulances, and helicopters.
For the first time, the event was held on WCC’s new driver training pad, allowing employers to showcase their vehicles in a new, more expansive space.
Maria Fe Yen, a teacher at Spring Creek Middle School, enjoyed the chance to provide a new learning opportunity for her students. “I am so excited for them to be inspired and aware of what they could be in the future, based on their interests,” she said. “This kind of activity and exposure gives the students not just excitement but also awareness of what is available to them.”
Lieutenant Joseph Legg, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team leader, said he knew how important early career exploration is because his interest in law enforcement was sparked as a child. “This is something that I always wanted to do,” he said.
Legg said the event also allowed him to show the children how law enforcement officers serve their community and how they protect and assist them. “It was important for us to be here today to speak to the younger kids about things we do and things that will help them progress through life, like making good decisions,” he shared.
Representatives from some of WCC’s program areas also attended the event to display their educational and career pathways, featuring an 18-wheeler showcasing WCC’s Truck Driver Training program and a Corvette highlighting the College’s automotive programs.
“This was our biggest Careers on Wheels so far, and I love that employers volunteered their time to spend the day with fifth graders and showcase their jobs,” said WCC Employer and School Engagement Coordinator Kaitlyn Dean. “This event is an amazing example of how much they care about the future of our students and community.”
Dean said WCC’s partnership with WCPS and local employers is key in making events like Careers on Wheels successful. “It’s never too early to educate students on career options, and I’m so glad employers support that,” she said.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.