Eighth Graders Explore Career Pathways During Vantage Career Center Tours
The week of November 3–7 was an exciting one at Vantage Career Center, as more than 750 eighth graders from 14 local schools stepped into the world of career-technical education. Students explored 18 different program labs, each offering hands-on experiences that connected learning to real-world careers.
The annual Vantage 8th Grade Tours gave students a close-up look at opportunities in skilled trades, health sciences, business, public safety, and technology. Tours began Monday with Lincolnview and Continental students and continued throughout the week with visits from Crestview, Delphos St. John’s, Ottoville, Delphos Jefferson, Goedde, Van Wert, Wayne Trace, Fort Jennings, Antwerp, Kalida, Paulding, and Parkway middle schools. Vantage is incredibly thankful for the continued partnership and collaboration with these schools, whose support helps make these tours possible each year.
Current Vantage students proudly led the tours, sharing their experiences and showcasing the skills they’ve learned. Eighth graders got to roll up their sleeves and try it all; from how to gauze a wound in Health Technology and sitting inside a police cruiser in Criminal Justice to testing the welding simulator, tying rebar, programming AI, and more! Students explored all Vantage Career Center programs, including:
• Ag & Industrial Power Technology
• Auto Collision Repair
• Auto Technology
• Carpentry
• Construction Equipment Technology
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Early Childhood Education
• Electricity
• Health Technology
• Machining and Engineering Technologies
• Medical Assisting
• Industrial Mechanics
• Interactive Media
• Network Systems
• Sports Exercise Therapy
• Welding
“These tours foster early engagement and enthusiasm for learning by providing students with an authentic, hands-on glimpse into various career fields before they even enter high school,” said Tonya Temple, Student Services Supervisor at Vantage Career Center. “They offer a valuable opportunity for students to start identifying their strengths and interests, explore potential career pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the comprehensive programs Vantage Career Center has to offer.”
As the tours wrapped up, students left inspired, ready to dream big, explore their interests, and discover how Vantage Career Center helps turn career goals into reality.
For more information about programs and opportunities at Vantage Career Center, visit www.vantagecareercenter.com or follow @VantageCareerCenter on Facebook and Instagram
