Gaston County Schools has transformed part of the former Forest Heights Elementary School into a Career Exploration Center set to open for the 2024-2025 school year.
Why it matters:Â This new center will provide students across all grade levels with hands-on experience in various careers, fostering early career interest and connecting them with local businesses for real-world job insights.
Details:Â The center features:
An Anatomage Table for students interested in medical or veterinary fields.
A utility line technician area with 3D goggles for immersive training.
A SIMSpray unit for virtual painting and powder coating.
Two welding simulators that provide scores on technique.
Simulators for truck driving and operating heavy equipment.
An ambulance simulator to give students a taste of EMT work.
What they’re saying: "Exploration is the key word in the new center’s name. It’s important for students to be exposed to careers early on," says Brett Buchanan, director of Career and Technical Education for Gaston County Schools.
Local businesses hope the center will spark interest in high-demand jobs and contribute to a skilled local workforce.
The bottom line: The Career Exploration Center aims to set a precedent for career education, generating interest in high-demand jobs and enhancing Gaston County’s talent pipeline.
Go deeper: Read more about this opportunity here.