Wilkes County high school juniors and a few other high schoolers tried their hands at everything from operating an 18-wheeler to welding when a “Be Pro Be Proud” enclosed trailer packed with simulators visited their campuses recently.
Be Pro Be Proud is a nationwide workforce development initiative intended to elevate skilled professions and provide direct connections between talent and opportunity, stated a press release from the Wilkes schools. It began in Arkansas in 2016 and spread to other states.
The simulation experiences offer glimpses of work in engineering, information technology and trades and are intended to help students decide if If they want to pursue technical career opportunities.
Be Pro Be Proud was offered here in collaboration with the school district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at West Wilkes High on Oct. 28 and 29; Wilkes Central High on Oct. 30 and 31; Wilkes Early College High on Nov. 1; North Wilkes High on Nov. 12 and 13; and East Wilkes High on Nov. 14 and 15.
Emily Styers, a career development coordinator with the Wilkes schools, helped staff the “Be Pro Be Proud” trailer at East Wilkes High School on Nov. 15.
Styers told students the many types of work they could sample with the simulators. In addition to welding and operating a tractor-trailer, these included working on electrical transmission lines, plumbing work, construction, diesel mechanic work and operating forestry equipment, a dump truck and an excavator.
“Be Pro Be Proud aligns with our goal of preparing students for successful futures by providing them with real-world experiences and connections to rewarding careers,” said Wilkes School Superintendent Mark Byrd. “We are excited to partner with the CTE Department to bring these dynamic events to life.”