Jones County eighth graders explored hands-on career simulations during the Be Pro Be Proud event, which featured a mobile workshop designed to introduce students to high-demand skilled trades.
Justina Brown, project manager for Be Pro Be Proud, explained the purpose of the program.
“Each year, we bring our mobile workshop to Jones County middle schools and the high school. It is an eighteen- wheeler that has many gamified simulator stations that introduce students to skill-trade options. It gives them a taste of what it is like in various professions like diesel tech, aviation, heavy equipment operation, forestry, and manufacturing. These are really cool jobs that we get students to consider, and we let them know that there is a lot of money to be made in these fields,” Brown said.
Clifton Ridge Middle School teacher Vashawn Renfroe said the event is both engaging and educational.
“This is my second year helping with this event, and I have to say, even for myself, it is very interesting. I feel like the kids learn a vast amount that they will need for the future. People like me are getting older. We need these younger kids to step up, and with events like this, the kids are doing just that. It is very educational and a great benefit to all the kids,” Renfroe said.
Clifton Ridge students enjoyed the chance to try out different simulations. Breanna Stokes said the trucking simulator was her favorite.
“It was so fun. I got to drive a semi-truck in one of the simulations, which was my favorite part,” Stokes said.
Savannah Watts said the healthcare simulation stood out to her.
“Participating in the simulations was pretty fun. I want to be a doctor when I grow up, so the surgery simulation was helpful for me,” Watts said.
At Gray Station Middle School, Assistant Principal Lamisha Clark spoke of the importance of career exposure.
“I feel like this event is very beneficial because the students have not quite considered what they want their career paths to be, and having this hands-on experience can open up their minds to possibilities of work that they might not be aware of,” Clark said.
Clark explained why this event is essential for eighth-grade students. “It helps them start thinking about areas in which they can gain more knowledge or focus on their career development. It certainly sets them up for success in high school because it helps influence what pathways they will choose when they begin to make their high school schedules. It also shows them that they still have many work opportunities, even if a traditional fouryear college is not what they would like to pursue. As a former CTAE teacher, these types of opportunities are invaluable for our students,” Clark said.
Gray Station Middle School students agreed with Clark. Matthew Hough said the variety of options was eye-opening.
“It was so cool. I got to try a lot of simulations, and I think it was very beneficial for me to see all of the different job opportunities,” Hough said.
Saulana Harris said the event helped her think about her future.
“It was really cool. I think Be Pro Be Proud helps us students figure out what we want to do in life and gives us intelligent options to consider for our future careers,” Harris said.
Jones County High School senior Christian Ledrick said the event benefits younger students and gives him a chance to teach.
“This event gives kids an opportunity to see different jobs through various simulations. It benefits younger students and gives me an opportunity to teach, which helps my understanding of the material, too,” Ledrick said.
The mobile rig featured simulators for careers in automation and robotics, commercial truck driving, healthcare, IT, plumbing, welding, lineman work, and more. The event was organized through Jones County High School’s College and CTAE programs, which aim to prepare students for success in both college and the workforce.
