Construction and Woodworking students took a field trip to the Ranken Technical College and Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council and Training Program March 4. The visit offered students the firsthand opportunity to see career pathways through the skilled trades and allowed them to explore a wide range of opportunities outside of the classroom. 

At RTC and MACRC, students learned from industry professionals about the various sectors of the trade including carpentry, HVAC, welding and automotive technology, all types of which students got to experience through a guided tour that involved different technologies, tools and environments. 

“This trip gives students a good opportunity to get their feet wet with what the trades actually are, especially because you can shadow and experience the field in depth,” Johan Bergman (12) said.

The program encouraged exposure to various trades pathways, all while highlighting the impact of technical education serving as an alternative to  pursuit of a traditional college route.

“It was cool for me to see Ranken Tech and the carpentry union as a teacher, and also great for the students who are wanting to continue the trades,” Construction and woodworking teacher William Edwards said. “By exposing people early, it helps them commit to trades and a possible career.”

For students who participated, the trip served as an eye opening experience that offered a deeper understanding of modern trade work. It also helped them see how their classroom expertise translated into the industry. 

“My favorite part of the trip was seeing all of the different types of trades,” Zoe Mei (10) said. “When I first planned to attend, I thought we would only get to explore carpentry at the [MACRC], but there were so many smaller sectors, such as millwright and flooring. It was so amazing and showed me a new side of carpentry that I hadn’t thought of before.”