School-aged students get the opportunity to drive a big rig or backhoe, weld metal, or try electrical wiring, all within the safety of virtual reality aboard the BeProBeProud trailer that travels the state of Tennessee! The trailer recently showcased skilled trades to teens and adults as the centerpiece of a skills and hiring event last Friday at the ABC Trade Academy in Knoxville.
“It was an amazing event. We helped more than 400 students and job seekers, and we had a great time!” said Jason Pitts, who serves as Tennessee Engagement Manager for the Building Talent Foundation and organized the event with the support of several partners. Students attended from Career and Technical Education programs at six different Knox County schools.
Inside the trailer, a student experiences using a saw through virtual reality.
Encouraging teens to pursue a trade like electrician benefits them with a promising career and benefits the state’s employers as well. “There is a severe shortage of electricians,” said Pitts.
Inside ABC Trade Academy, visitors also saw more demonstrations of skilled construction-related jobs. Guest speaker Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor, shared his support for these educational tracks and job creation. This in-person event ties into ongoing efforts to match employers with trades students via this website: https://jobstobuild.com/.
The popular trailer requires a reservation to attend community events. To connect with the staff who manage the trailer, you can reach out via this website: https://www.gobuildtennessee.com/. To connect locally with with Building Talent Foundation, email jason.pitts@buildingtf.org.
Anne Brock-Rankin is Marketing Coordinator for Solar Alliance, a renewable energy company based in Knoxville. She can be reached at abrock@solaralliance.com.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
