Learn about skilled trades

More than 450 Coeur d’Alene area students will get the chance to learn about different skilled trade careers next month at the ninth annual Hard Hats, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs event.

From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, area middle school and high school students will make a trip to the Kootenai Technical Education Campus to meet professionals in skilled trade industries. Businesses that work in manufacturing, construction, commercial truck driving and even a local fire department will be there to show students what they do.

The purpose of the career day is to engage students and educate them about the career opportunities within skilled trade industries. Students get the opportunity to talk with local business owners to learn about the many different careers the community has to offer.

Kids will have the opportunity to work an excavator and move dirt with it as well as use a wood processor and much more. Each business will have a hands-on demonstration of what it does. There will also be tours of North Idaho College’s new CTE building.

“It’s a great opportunity to reach out to students who are not hot on the idea of going to college and steering them toward other skilled-trade options,” said Megan Witherspoon, an H4 committee member.

The skilled trade career day is open to all middle and high school students. Schools have been invited to send students to the event. KTEC is located at 6838 W. Lancaster Road, Rathdrum. For more information about attending or becoming a sponsor, contact Megan Witherspoon at (208) 762-2912.