Harding University High School’s second annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase featured courses offered to middle school students on Friday, February 23, 2018. 180 middle school students attended this event! The featured showcase was Harding’s Institute of Technology, which is a countywide magnet program. HUHS Institute of Technology is one of CMS School Choice schools designed to immerse the high school students in the Industrial and Trade Industry- oriented curriculum involving a hands on learning environment, real world experience, and technical expertise.
The ultimate goal is for students to graduate career and college ready in one of the three (3) areas: Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, and 3D Design/Digital Manufacturing. During the showcase, middle school students explored classes that can be taken at Harding University High School that align with classes offered at Harding’s Institute of Technology. Industry partners that were in attendance (i.e., Advanced Manufacturing Companies-Phaff Mold, L.P., Groninger USA LLC, Siemens Manufacturing, Construction Companies-Wayne Brothers Construction, Baston-Cook Construction, Land Design, Carolina AGC Foundations, UTI/NASCAR Institute of Technology, representatives from various departments of CPCC-Harper Campus & CPCC-Merancus Campus, CharlotteWorks) to answer questions and provide information about local career options . The event gave students hands-on demonstrations, speak with industry partners, meet the teachers and current students that are in the magnet program.
What did students say?
“Are you telling us that we can have the opportunity to learn how to operate this equipment here at Harding?”
“This is cool to be able to learn a skill or work with our hands, instead of sitting in class all day!”
“I am now excited about attending Harding next year and I hope that I get me letter in the mail saying that I am in Harding’s automotive program.”
“Thank you Mr. Rattley for inviting me! It was great seeing our middle school students so excite what Harding has to offer. I enjoyed walking around seeing Harding students engaged with the middle school students, too. I enjoyed my visit.” – School Board Member Thelma Byers-Bailey, Esq. District 2 Representative
What did middle school counselors think?
“Thank you for hosting us again this year! Our students’ enjoyed themselves and I have had 2 two students that are planning to have a conversation with their parents about changing their magnet choice to attend Harding’s magnet next year.”
What did industry partners think?
“Thank you for inviting me again to this event. I think that it is very important start early with exposing kids to opportunities within the trade and industry because it helps to break down the stereotype of the construction and manufacturing industries. We actively looking for talented and innovating young adults that are eager to look a skill and our trade.”
Middle Schools Attended:
-Martin Luther King
-Eastway Middle School
-Berryhill
-Westerly Hills
-Reid Park
-Whitewater