Manufacturing Career Day in Broken Arrow
In a collaborative effort between the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation and leadership from various local schools, Manufacturing Career Day recently took place in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. To gain more insight into this educational event, we had the privilege of speaking with De'Andre Fahie, the Director of Talent Attraction & Workforce Development for the Broken Arrow Chamber, and Dr. Crockett, the Associate Dean for the College of Business & Technology.
The event, which aimed to introduce students to careers in the manufacturing industry, was hosted at several locations, including Union Freshman Academy, Broken Arrow Freshman Academy, BA Options Academy, and Union Alternative School. With the involvement of these institutions, the event succeeded in reaching a wide range of students and creating a lasting impact.
Manufacturing Career Day was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation, which worked closely with leadership from each of the participating school sites. The collaboration between these entities showcased a commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with valuable insights into potential career paths within the manufacturing sector.
The primary objective of Manufacturing Career Day was to offer students the opportunity to engage in STEM-based classroom activities. De'Andre Fahie explained that the day-long event served as a platform for students to work on hands-on projects, sparking their interest in the world of manufacturing. The event's importance cannot be overstated, as it not only introduces young minds to the vast possibilities within the industry but also relies heavily on volunteers from various companies in the Broken Arrow area. These volunteers generously contribute their time and knowledge to guide and inspire the next generation.
One of the highlights of the event for De'Andre Fahie was the chance to visit the different classrooms where the activities took place and interact with the students. In one particular classroom, a group of students was fervently discussing their ideas, with one young female student taking the lead by drawing on a whiteboard. When De'Andre inquired about their project, the girl replied enthusiastically, "I am drawing out the blueprint for our design. We are going to make a robot using our candy pieces!" This moment encapsulated the essence of Manufacturing Career Day – the spark of curiosity, the joy of hands-on learning, and the realization that the event could sow seeds for future engineers and innovators.
Manufacturing Career Day in Broken Arrow serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and education in nurturing the aspirations of the youth. By offering students a glimpse into the world of manufacturing and igniting their passion for STEM-based activities, this event plays a vital role in shaping the future workforce. It is evident that the commitment of the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation, the partnering schools, and the enthusiastic volunteers is helping to inspire the engineers, designers, and innovators of tomorrow, ensuring a brighter future for both the students and the local manufacturing industry.
