On Friday, September 27th, Saint Joseph's hosted a Building and Trades Day that welcomed 385 students from Van Rensselaer Elementary and Rensselaer Central Middle School. The event provided eager 4th, 5th, and 8th grade students with a hands-on introduction to the diverse and essential trades that help sustain communities.
Info booths on the Saint Joseph’s CDL Academy and Building and Trades programs captured students' attention, highlighting how these fields provide essential skills and lead to in-demand careers in transportation and construction. Additionally, the College’s Health Science and Veterinary Certificate Program classrooms sparked interest, as they provided an opportunity for students to envision themselves learning, practicing skills, and gaining hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Students explored various trades by engaging directly with professionals from the City of Rensselaer Streets and Sanitation Department, Water Department, and Volunteer Fire Department. The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water also played a key role educating students about the critical infrastructure that ensures access to clean water. In the parking lot, fire trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery were set up and performed live demonstrations to show students how each operates.
Whether it was watching a fire hose demonstration, exploring the workings of a water system, or hearing about various programs offered at Saint Joseph’s, students walked away with new knowledge and excitement of the many career paths that could be pursued right in their local community.
The event was both busy and rewarding, offering students a glimpse into possible future careers while emphasizing the value of hands-on learning. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with local schools to help educate and inspire students about the endless opportunities waiting for them in the trades and beyond.
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