Over 200 Sanford Regional Technical Center students recently attended Maritime Industry Day at the USS Albacore in Portsmouth.
This event, serving as a kick-off to Manufacturing Month, provided a unique opportunity for hands-on learning exploration in the maritime and related industries for SRTC students.
The field trip was specifically tailored for SRTC’s STEM programs, including Auto Collision and Auto Body, Engineering, Welding, and CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
The Maritime Industry Day featured over 20 industry representatives, offering students a chance to network and learn about potential internships and job opportunities. Several interactive activities allowed students to experience industry-specific tasks.
“There was some hands-on stuff pertaining to the various industries,” SRTC Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles said. “In addition, there was also networking, including some colleges.”
Several interactive activities allowed students to experience industry-specific tasks:
Engineering students used specialized equipment to detect fractures in metal, simulating submarine maintenance procedures.
A painting simulator gave students the chance to virtually paint vehicles and submarines.
A large lift provided students with a real-world experience of operating heavy machinery used in maritime industries.
Feedback from the event was positive, according to Quarles. Students found it to be a great experience, appreciating the chance to see and learn about various career opportunities in the maritime field.
“The kids loved it,” Quarles said. “And then at the very end, they toured the Albacore. And the point of that was so they could see those industries in real-time.”