Recently, Superintendent Burnice Laws and Project Manager Kathryn Payne had an opportunity to speak on a career panel to more than 100 students at Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC.
The students participate in the school鈥檚 agricultural program, which is part of the North Carolina public school system鈥檚 career and technical education curriculum. Despite the program name, students aren鈥檛 just exposed to farming, livestock and agriculture; they also have opportunities to explore a range of studies in carpentry, construction, landscaping and many other areas.
The opportunity to share insights at Orange was especially meaningful for Burnice, who had attended the school. 鈥淲hile other school systems have eliminated many of these programs, Orange County has increased class numbers to accommodate the growing number of interested students,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he advisors for this program not only care about their students academically but also prepare them for the real world and understanding what hard work looks like.鈥�
With the need for skilled labor in construction and other industries, the program also makes students aware of career paths that don鈥檛 require college. Many of the speakers discussed the importance of having a plan, setting goals and the fact that 鈥� with a strong work ethic 鈥� anything can be accomplished.
鈥淧rofessionals from many different industries were in attendance but I am I鈥檓 proud to say the different construction professionals stood out. This program means a great deal to me and it is truly a blessing that I work for a company that allows us to reach out to young people in this way.鈥�
