With special thanks to the Wayland Carpenter and Millwright Training Center, Hopkins Middle School 8th-grade students in Mr. Myers's classes had the opportunity to take part in the Schools To Tools Mobile Field Trip to learn more about career opportunities available in the union skilled trades. The Schools To Tools Mobile Field Trip is designed to expose and highlight the career opportunities that are available, beginning with an apprenticeship, in the union skilled trades.
Students experienced fun, hands-on activities both inside and outside the trailer that demonstrated some of the skills learned through apprenticeships. A leveling challenge hosted by one of the Millwright members, explained why, when, and where precision machinist levels are used before students attempt to level a surface themselves. The nail-driving and screw-gun challenges are always a favorite of students. A wall framing challenge required basic print reading and assembly skills similar to that of framing the wall of a house.
Inside the trailer, seven augmented reality stations gave full details on how carpenters are involved from foundation to finish on many construction sites and gave detailed explanations of the projects millwrights work on. Two virtual reality stations took users to some of the most impressive job sites in our great state, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Soo Locks, and Little Caesars Arena. A virtual welding station and testimonials from apprentices rounded out the interior stations. Lastly, students had the opportunity to experience a full array of personal protective equipment (PPE) and take a selfie that places them in a 3-dimensional job-site photo.