GEAR UP students visit the carpentry department at Dawson Technical Institute.

Over 2500 GEAR UP students have gone on College Visits since
Fall 2009.

Quinton participates in the Overhead Electrical Line Worker presentation.

Magnolia was surprised at how many specialty areas there are within construction, such as carpentry, plumbing, combination welding, and concrete masonry. Jose agreed and said that he liked that they talked about specific programs on the trip. Quinton learned that salaries in these occupations were much higher than he expected.  He also liked the hands-on learning.  He says, “It’s not all desks, chairs and books.  It’s hands-on.”

How can these students combine their interests with careers in the technical fields?  Quinton who enjoys art, has discovered that he likes carpentry.  In his carpentry class at Farragut, he’s learned to make cabinets, and thinks it might be possible to employ his artistic skills in this area.  Magnolia who is interested in accounting might consider specializing in the construction field.  Jose, whose father has a brick laying business, may consider exploring a dual career path for right now.  He’s already helping out in the family business.

The college visit for the group of 16 students to Dawson was a combined effort of the GEAR UP staff at Farragut and the carpentry class teacher, Mr. Valadez.  Their goal is to help students find ways of combining their interests with career paths with promising job opportunities.