The doors at Penta Career Center swung wide open in March as the career center welcomed hundreds of Springfield Middle School eighth-grade students to the career expo.
Over a two-day period, more than 2,000 students from 14 area school districts visited the career center, which serves 16 school districts in a five county area of northwest Ohio. This year’s event, held March 14 and 15, featured a variety of career areas for students to explore.
Eighth graders engaged with Penta students, exploring opportunities in the fields of computers, digital video production, automotive, construction, culinary, public safety, medical, manufacturing and business.
“We believe having our high school students leading the younger students through the various career field experiences provides value for our eighth grade visitors and our high school career-technical students,” said Superintendent Ed Ewers.
In early childhood, students learned about caring for young children and practiced changing a diaper.
At the auto and collision repair station, the eighth graders participated in pinstriping and paint activities and viewed a display of motorcycles.
Small animal care students brought out a number of animals they care for including traditional pets like dogs and more unique animals such as an agama.
Cosmetology students gave curled hair, applied nail art and offered make-up stations.
In construction, the junior high schoolers tried their hand at building a wall using bricks and mortar.
There also were activities relating to 3-D printing, robotics, public safety and marketing.
“Our eighth grade expo was a very successful event this year, and we received many positive comments,” said Mr. Ewers, adding the career center enjoys offering the event to member schools as an extension of career awareness and exploration activities.
