Four North Royalton High School students recently had the opportunity to explore careers in the construction industry through SheDig, a hands-on career exploration event hosted by Local 18 Operating Engineers.
Students Tyler Myers, Ava Burrows, Nicole Nawojowski and Maggie Deal participated in the event, which was designed to introduce young women to careers as operating engineers and provide a firsthand look at the skills and training involved in operating heavy equipment.
During the event, students climbed into the operator seats of several pieces of heavy machinery and experienced what it takes to operate equipment used on construction sites. The hands-on activities gave students a better understanding of the responsibilities of operating engineers and the variety of career opportunities available in the industry.
Students also met with apprenticeship instructors and experienced members of Local 18 Operating Engineers, who shared information about their careers, training experiences and the apprenticeship program. They learned about the education, technical skills and preparation needed to enter the field and had opportunities to ask questions about pursuing careers in the construction trades.
The experience provided students with valuable exposure to career pathways they may not have previously considered. It also encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, try something new and approach unfamiliar experiences with curiosity, reflecting the Adaptability and Learner’s Mindset competencies of North Royalton City Schools’ Portrait of a Bear. Opportunities such as SheDig help students explore their interests, discover new possibilities and make informed decisions about their futures.
