Career Camp inspires students at the CTC.
Imagine a class schedule that includes checking the pulse of a medical mannequin, mastering the perfect manicure, and learning the basics of construction, all in one day.
That was the experience for rising seventh, eighth, and ninth graders who participated in the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center’s Career Camp.
Now in its fourth year, Career Camp at the CTC hosted 12 career-focused stations from Monday through Thursday, giving students a hands-on introduction to a variety of fields. Through interactive stations, students created projects and watched their ideas come to life while exploring the 13 career clusters available at the CTC. The experience gave students a glimpse into how those skills can connect to future careers.
Students practice athletic training at Career Camp.
“I always like seeing students discover new interests,” said Jamiel Harris, career and technical education specialist. “This year we’ve had girls excited to use power tools in construction, and boys interested in learning more about cosmetology. That diversity helps students think outside the box when it comes to their future careers.”
For sixth grader Giovanni Enciso, the camp offered a wide-ranging look at several industries.
“We got to do engineering and build things. We did athletic training, where we learned how to help people with injuries, and also cosmetology,” Enciso said. “I actually liked cosmetology because I learned they do a lot of different things and can make a lot of money … you can come here, work hard and do well.”
This year, Texas Health and the Arlington Fire Department gave special presentations to students and provided unique activities that promote their fields. One experience Texas Health provided was using a mannequin to show how breathing aids are inserted into a patient when undergoing medical assistance. The Texas Health professionals continued their demonstration by allowing students to use tourniquets on each other to determine what an appropriate application should feel like and how to successfully perform the action.
Student learn how to use tourniquets.
In the Fire Department seminar, students heard stories from the fire department and learned how skills acquired in the Arlington ISD Fire Academy would directly translate to a career in the firefighting realm.
“What makes this camp special is that it’s designed with all the students in mind,” Harris said. “Our department has worked hard to offer a diverse range of programs and courses that meet the needs of every student. This camp provides a safe space for students to explore their current interests or even discover a passion they never knew they had.”
For more information about the programs offered and upcoming events at the Arlington ISD Career Tech Center, visit the district’s career and technical education website.