Students learn about careers at VGCC Applied Technologies expo


VGCC Electrical Systems Technology program head Robert Hudson (center) showed students a model that demonstrated residential electrical wiring during the Applied Technologies Expo. (VGCC photo)

VGCC Electrical Systems Technology program head Robert Hudson (center) showed students a model that demonstrated residential electrical wiring during the Applied Technologies Expo. (VGCC photo)

Vance-Granville Community College helped local students explore technical career fields on Oct. 15 by holding an “Applied Technologies Expo” in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Approximately 240 middle and high school students from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties attended the event. They received information and saw demonstrations from various VGCC curriculum programs, including Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology; Automotive Systems Technology; Bioprocess Technology; Carpentry; Electrical Systems Technology; Electronics Engineering Technology; and Welding Technology. Among the highlights of the expo were an electric car (complete with a solar panel in the roof) displayed by the Automotive program; a robot, 3-D printer and LED cube at the Electronics Engineering booth; and Carpentry students building training models for the Electrical Systems program on-site.

At the same time, students had the opportunity to talk about career possibilities with employers from throughout the region who frequently hire graduates from such programs. Participating businesses included Clayton Homes, Alumadock Marine Structures/Robco, Lewis Electric, Glen Raven, Propel GPS, Handcrafted Homes, Vance Construction, and the information technology department of Maria Parham Medical Center.

Students hailed from schools that included Northern Vance High School, Western Vance High School, Eaton-Johnson Middle School, Franklin County Early College High School, Granville Central High School, South Granville High School, and Warren County High School. Also in attendance were several students from the VGCC Basic Skills department who are working toward completing a GED or Adult High School diploma and then transitioning to college.

“We appreciate the support of our industry partners, school systems, and other departments from VGCC, who helped make this expo a success,” said Wesley Williams, chair of the college’s Applied Technologies department. “Hopefully, we educated our local students about some exciting future job opportunities and the training that is required for those jobs.”