Photo provided Students visit InStyle Kitchen and Bath to learn about interior design, architecture and building trades.
Local ninth graders recently had the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of local workplaces.
C4 team leader Autumne Streeval said 370 freshmen from Columbus East and North high schools participated in industry tours earlier this month.
“We’re hoping that they can connect the interests that they have and the skill that they develop into their potential future careers,” she said. “We also hope that when they tour local industries, they find something that sparks an interest in them. We can then connect that to a C4 pathway where they can develop those skills and then move on to what that next step might be for them in their post-secondary career. So it’s really to provide insights into career opportunities and to career exploration.”
C4 conducts industry tours every semester for students in its “Preparing for College and Careers” course, she said. The latest round included visits to the Cummins Midrange Engine Plant, the Cummins Tech Center, Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus Municipal Airport, Columbus City Utilities’ Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Columbus Police Department, the Department of Public Works, Taylor Brothers Construction, InStyle Kitchen and Bath, Enkei America, Toyota and Dorel Juvenile Group.
During these visits, students went on facility tours or participated in interactive activities, Streeval said. Additionally, employers gave an overview of the services or products they offer, and students also got to hear from professionals about their career journeys.
“We really want students to know that there are multiple pathways to success,” she said. “Some professionals will go on a traditional college pathway; others will do on-the-job training. Some may work full-time and take classes part-time. Some may enter an apprenticeship program.”
The visits can also give students insight into workplace environments and professional conduct, she added.
