What do software engineers, welders and nurses all have in common?

They were all careers that were highlighted in our 2012 PCC Non-Trad Spring Events!

PCC PAVTEC office held a series of 3 events in April, as part of our NTO (Non-Traditional Outreach) program. The events covered the following career explorations:

For girls: High Tech/Engineering; Construction, Auto Body and Welding; and Fire, EMT and Paramedic.

For boys: Healthcare specifically Nursing.

We had the assistance of some amazingly talented and passionate PCC staff involved in each of the respective divisions of education. We received very positive feedback from the students and it was particularly inspirational to hear the stories of real students and PCC instructors who had overcome various obstacles in their lives to continue their education and do something meaningful to them.

The format for the events was all the same: In the morning, the students did hands-on activities, facilities tours and heard small presentations given by faculty. Afterward, we gathered together in a commons area to have lunch, chit chat amongst ourselves, and to hear stories from students and staff about their real life experiences with the respective career fields.

The events took place at all three PCC campuses: Sylvania, Rock Creek, and Cascade.

Overall we believe it was a fresh experience for the students to not only get a "campus tour" but to hear about some real world advice and stories from people who are in these careers.

PCC will be planning more events for Fall 2012 and/or Spring 2013! We have learned so much from these events and may be narrowing in the focus even more to provide laser-focused attention to career areas that have high demand and/or turnover here in Oregon. Our goal is to provide students with real life info on how they can have a beneficial and stable career in fields that they will be able to find positions in after graduation.

Check out this YouTube video for a fun and energetic summary of the events!



Happy summer and looking forward to Fall 2012!

The NTO Team at PCC