Wayne Community College hosted its second “Careers on Wheels” event, where approximately 700 fifth graders explored careers with real organizations in their community.
Held in partnership with Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS), the event educates students about trade pathways and future careers available locally.
“Careers on Wheels provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about what their future can hold and the many opportunities they can have after they finish school,” said WCC Employer and School Engagement Coordinator Kaitlyn Dean. “It is never too early to educate students about how they can contribute to the workforce one day.”
Students spoke with employers and participated in hands-on activities to explore careers in industries like healthcare, fire and rescue, and law enforcement. They even got an up-close look at the employers’ equipment and vehicles, including a helicopter, ambulance, fire truck, and 18-wheeler.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Mullis and Officer Victor Howell attended the event to show students the work they do on the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office dive/water rescue team. “We’re a two-part team,” explained Mullis. “We may get called out during storms to rescue people from swift water, and we also do diving recoveries.”
Howell said Careers on Wheels gave the team the chance to not only inform students about career opportunities but also let them know more about rescue operations in the county. “It shows the kids that we’re there for safety, so they know somebody is going to come rescue them,” he said.
Lauren Wargo, district manager of government and community relations at Duke Energy, said the company participates in many community outreach events like Careers on Wheels.
“We know how important it is to reach out to the kids and let them know about careers at Duke Energy, how many there are, and what paths they can take for their education,” Wargo said. “A lot of our line workers went to Wayne Community College for various trades or education certifications, so we know how good the foundation is here.”
WCPS Career Development Coordinator Jessica Caver said that partnering with WCC for Careers on Wheels shows students real career opportunities available in Wayne County.
“When students see that they can earn a degree locally and step directly into the workforce with area employers, it makes their future feel more attainable,” Caver said. “The earlier they’re exposed to these pathways, the better prepared they are to make informed decisions about their education and careers.”
Dean said the event was an exciting way for WCC and WCPS to display educational programs and careers to younger students.
“WCC is a huge contributor to our area’s workforce with the programs we offer for students,” Dean said. “We have amazing employer partners who came to showcase their organizations, and they were able to engage students and provide real insight into exciting careers!”
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.