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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Dozens of middle school students from school districts across the Rio Grande Valley explored a variety of career pathways offered through 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s (TSC) Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE) division during the Summer Exploration Camp, held June 1\u20134 at the ITEC Center.<\/p>\n
Through interactive, hands-on activities, students gained valuable insight into different career fields and educational opportunities available through WTCE programs.<\/p>\n
Instructors from the Diesel Technician, Welding, Auto Body Repair Technology and Basic Peace Officer programs guided students through workshops designed to introduce them to each field and the careers available within those industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe camp connects them to the instructors we have here who are industry-ready and qualified,\u201d said WTCE Executive Director Juan Leal. \u201cWe expose them to different equipment, supplies, and tools that the industries are currently using.\u201d<\/p>\n
The camp is one of more than a dozen that TSC and WTCE are hosting for middle and high school students throughout the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of support from the school districts,\u201d Leal said. \u201cWe also work closely with them throughout the year. We want to make sure students succeed and are college- and career-ready after graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The welding workshop drew strong interest from campers, including Ethan Hernandez, a student from San Perlita Middle School who comes from a family of welders.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like how you had the chance to cut your initial out and take it home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hernandez said he enjoyed all the workshops and shared his experience with his parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told them it was fun and that I learned a lot about different careers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dominic Hernandez, a student from Garcia Middle School in Brownsville, also comes from a family of welders and relished the opportunity to use the tools provided by instructors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to keep it going for generations,\u201d Dominic said. \u201cThe plasma cutter was my favorite. You can weld and cut at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leal said the enthusiasm he sees from students reinforces the effort staff members put into organizing the camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s hands-on with jackets and helmets, and they get to experience what it feels like,\u201d Leal said. \u201cThey get excited and take things home. We see there\u2019s a lot of talent out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students in the auto body workshop used a simulator to practice painting cars and were given small car models to apply their skills and take home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey gave us a car, and we had to cover it with a clear coat,\u201d said Hailey Gutierrez, a student from Vela Middle School in Brownsville. \u201cI really enjoyed it because I never expected myself to do that kind of work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ensuring campers have fun and memorable experiences is a key component of the summer camps.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want them to take that experience home and talk about it with their parents,\u201d Leal said. \u201cThat way, they can make informed decisions about their future and what degree or career they want to pursue.\u201d<\/p>\n
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