What do pipes that wrap around the world, flight controls on airplanes, and masonry have in common? They’re all part of the world of trades and manufacturing that Union County middle schoolers discovered through the 2024–2025 Middle School Speakers Bureau.
This initiative, led by the Workforce Development Task Force in partnership with Union County Public Schools (UCPS), aims to introduce middle school students to the vast and rewarding career opportunities available in local industry. And the results from this school year speak volumes.
Why Middle School?
Career exploration can’t wait until high school. Students start making critical decisions about their future as early as 8th grade when selecting high school courses. That’s why we focus on reaching students before those decisions are made.
Showing them real-world possibilities early helps spark curiosity and expand their vision of what’s possible after graduation.
What the Program Looks Like
The Middle School Speakers Bureau brings career day to a whole new level:
- Industry Leaders in the Classroom
Local businesses send employees into classrooms for the day to deliver engaging, age-appropriate presentations about their company, career path, and industry. They sharing real-world salary ranges, benefits, and job growth potential. - Hands-On Learning
Every speaker includes a hands-on activity to help students connect the dots between classroom concepts and real-world applications. These tactile experiences often leave a lasting impression. - Support for Speakers
The Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force offers a training session to prepare speakers to engage middle school audiences effectively and meaningfully.
- Industry Leaders in the Classroom
By the Numbers
The 2024–2025 school year saw participation from four Union County middle schools:
Sun Valley Middle, East Union Middle, Parkwood Middle, and Porter Ridge Middle.
And the impact is measurable:
- • 1,803 students completed the exit survey.
- • 93.6% of students reported learning something new about local industry.
- • 81% of students said they were more interested in learning about careers related to the speaker’s industry.
What Students Are Saying
Student feedback was full of curiosity, surprise, and enthusiasm:
“You can take some classes for them in high school, and for free!”
“I learned what masonry is and that there is more to it than just building.”
“I found out that airplanes most important part is the flight controls.”
“Tempered glass breaks into millions of little pieces.”
“The pay is actually pretty well.”
“I want them to come back so I can learn more stuff.”
These comments reflect what we aim to accomplish: expanding students’ knowledge, correcting misconceptions, and igniting an interest in high-demand, high-reward industries.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next school year, we’re excited to continue expanding this program. By connecting students to local employers and giving them a hands-on glimpse into potential careers, we’re building a stronger, more prepared future workforce for Union County.
Last modified: May 29, 2025
