Polaris Tech Students Explore Career Opportunities with Touring Bus
Ridgeland, South Carolina—On a crisp October 25th, the students of Polaris Tech Charter School were treated to a unique and eye-opening experience as a specialized tour bus made its way to their campus. This bus, part of the Be Pro Be Proud SC initiative led by the Associated Industries of South Carolina Foundation, aims to ignite interest in skilled careers among high school students throughout South Carolina.
Engaging Students in Skilled Careers
The visit directly aligned with Polaris Tech‘s mission: preparing students to thrive in both careers and college environments. With its 2023 graduating class, the school has already demonstrated success—about half of the graduates headed straight into the workforce, while the other half enrolled in two- or four-year college programs. The goal? To ensure that students are ready and equipped for what lies ahead.
During this special event, roughly 150 students from middle and high school participated. The bus, designed as a mobile workshop, provided groups of up to 30 students with 45 minutes to an hour of hands-on exploration, focusing on various career paths in fields like automation, robotics, and even HVAC technology.
Exploring Promising Career Fields
The program showcased an impressive array of opportunities, emphasizing that careers in these growing fields are not just imaginary dreams—they come with solid paychecks, too! For instance, a career in automation and robotics can yield a median salary of around $74,000, while a CAD/CAM drafter can expect about $61,000. Other professions discussed included:
- Commercial truck driver – median salary of $47,000
- HVAC technician – median salary of nearly $72,000
- Fiber optics technician – median pay around $49,000
Kim Statler, the Executive Director of Polaris Tech, highlighted that this initiative not only showcases available paths but also emphasizes the importance of the education that students receive. “This is a real opportunity for Polaris Tech learners to see how their career and college-prep education here can translate into jobs with good pay and good benefits,” she said.
Hands-On Learning for Younger Students
While high schoolers were busy learning about careers, the younger elementary students enjoyed their time as well. They had a chance to explore an array of exciting vehicles that showcased various industries. From a 2023 Kenworth truck provided by Cleland Site Prep to farm tractors, firetrucks, and even ambulances, the event created a buzz of enthusiasm among the kids. Participants like Southeastern Limb and Tree, Palmetto Electric, and A1 Towing contributed vehicles that thrilled the audience and gave them a glimpse of the real-world applications of their studies.
Building a Bright Future
The Be Pro Be Proud SC initiative is all about fostering a new generation of skilled workers who can step into these critical roles. With research showing growth in these fields, especially in South Carolina and the Lowcountry, organizations like Polaris Tech are actively preparing the next wave of professionals.
Join the Polaris Tech Community
If you’re interested in being part of this forward-thinking educational environment, Polaris Tech is welcoming new applications for the upcoming school year! The school is state-approved and serves students from Jasper, Colleton, Hampton, and Beaufort counties, offering a focus on career areas such as Aerospace, Health Sciences, and Business Management. Families can easily apply online and take the first step toward a bright future!
As educational initiatives like Be Pro Be Proud SC continue to inspire students, it is clear that enthusiasm for skilled trades is on the rise. With dedicated organizations and committed educators, the future is indeed looking bright for South Carolina’s young learners.
