Beaver Area High School, led by tech teacher Mr. Cameron Brown, recently provided students with a great opportunity to grow their knowledge of the trades and even pursue a career in the trades.

October 31, the Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania hosted an event for students interested in a career in the trades at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. All of the major trade unions in Western Pennsylvania were present including the Iron Workers Union, Steamfitters, Operators Union, and the Carpenters Union. The Pittsburgh Water Authority, Peoples Gas, Columbia Gas, Sheet Metal Workers Union, and the Roofers Union were all present as well.

The field trip lasted three hours for 45 Beaver Area students, and there were a multitude of activities for students to participate in.

The Iron Workers Union put students in climbing harnesses and held races to see how fast students could climb a steel I-beam. The Steamfitters had VR welding booths set up to show how to weld in a safe environment. The Operators Union had mini excavators set up and had a contest to see how fast students could collect material without spilling. The Carpenters Guild were laser engraving pencils with students’ names on them.

The overall goal of the field trip was to expose high school students who are trying to find a career to the many different and lucrative trade options.

Mr. Brown explained, “[district transition coordinator] Mrs. Ambrose and I look for opportunities to expose students to different career fields that don't necessarily require a college education, but oftentimes pay just as well if not better than careers that require two or four year degrees.”

Beaver Area offers this field trip opportunity almost every year. Mr. Brown has been taking students on this field trip for the last eight years. Mr. Brown as well as Mrs. Ambrose are planning another similar field trip for students in the spring to to visit the Carpenters Guild.

The field trip was successful in exposing many students to different careers.

Junior Aiden Desanzo who went on the field trip stated, “The field trip really opened my eyes to how appealing many of the trades are for my career. The activities were very engaging and fun as well.”

Mr. Brown added, “I had about four seniors apply to various trades [that day] and have already scheduled their entrance exams.”