WINTERPORT — Middle school students in Winterport spent the day exploring various career paths through an event organized by students.
From first responders to healthcare, students at the Samuel L. Wagner School are learning about the careers Maine has to offer from the professionals themselves.
“This is so good for our kids to know what is out there, and some of the careers are really unique,” said Brittany Russell, Director of Health, Wellness and Safety for RSU 22.
Students spent Tuesday going from classroom to classroom, hearing presenters from various professions during the school’s first career symposium.
“They’ve got somebody in front of them that they can ask questions and explore a little bit more that they want to know or something they’re already interested in or even not interested in,” said Wagner Health and Science Teacher Tamara Cardello.
A group of eighth-graders took the lead in organizing the symposium after being inspired by a health class discussion about lifelong learning.
“It feels good and also a little nerve-racking that we were able to make a big symposium for the entire student body,” said Lydia Beichner, an 8th-grade student.
“It’s important that you can understand what you’re going for and what career you want, because that’s what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life if you really enjoy it,” said Zoey Hamer, an 8th-grade student.
Presenters say efforts like this are vital to help address Maine’s aging workforce and shortages.
“We really need help at the volunteer level for all the towns because everybody is shorthanded, so that’s why we’re trying to promote this to the school,” said Chief Shawn Stone with the West Frankfort Fire Department.
Faculty say the school held a similar multi-week career program in the past, but it was not resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic. They hope to make this symposium an annual event.
“I just hope that overall they understand there’s a community out there that wants to support them and see them be very successful,” said Russell.