Area high school students and their parents received an introduction to advanced manufacturing career opportunities on Thursday, March 23, 2017. “Edge Factor” and local advanced manufacturers hosted the inaugural “Ignite Your Future: Introducing Students to Profitable Careers” event at Gaston College’s campus in Dallas on Thursday. The morning session was hosted for students and the evening session for students, parents, teachers and the community. Free pizza was served to registrants during check-in and a prize raffle closed the event.
The Workforce Solutions Action Team (WSAT) consist of Gaston County Schools, Gaston College, Gaston Regional Chamber, Gaston County Economic Development Commission, Gaston Workforce Development Board, Career Climb, NCWorks Career Center and a host of local businesses in Gaston County.
Filmmaker, public speaker and entrepreneur Jeremy Bout from “Edge Factor” presented a message that merges Hollywood visuals with cinematic storytelling. His company uses video and interactive resources to highlight innovation, teach career pathways in manufacturing, and make science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics relevant in today’s world. His presentation intends to inspire and motivate students and their families to “view manufacturing and career and technical education in a new light and help empower students to pursue these amazing pathways.”
“Together with Gaston County Schools, “Edge Factor” with the support from local advanced manufacturers, we are lighting a fire across this region and throughout the state of North Carolina, to inspire the next generation of makers to dream, to innovate, and to create,” said Bout. “This is your opportunity to discover extraordinary careers and unlock the incredible opportunities available in your community.”
Students will had the opportunity to learn about advanced manufacturing career opportunities and a chance to meet with representatives from local industries.
To raise awareness and encourage registration for the “Ignite Your Future” event, all 10 Gaston County High Schools began participating in a “Fight 4 Donuts” competition. Students, parents, families, and friends voted for doughnuts for their school! The school with the most votes won doughnuts for each student at the school.
Gaston County has 9,800 high school students, and over 34,000 votes were casted for doughnuts.
Congratulations’ goes to Hunter Huss High School for casting over 12,000 votes! The KK Cruiser delivered doughnuts to the Huskies on Friday morning!