On Thursday, fifth graders from Eisenhower Elementary School and St. Joseph Catholic School visited the career center for fifth grade career day, sponsored by the Warren Forest Higher Education Council School-to-Work Program.

On Friday, students from Sheffield and Youngsville elementary schools and Beaty-Warren Middle School will visit.

Career center student ambassadors led the students to the various shops throughout the career center and the STEM lab.

“They do some hands-on learning experiences,” School-to-Work Coordinator Jenny Burroughs said. “We encourage the students at the career center to teach the kids.”

John Harvey searches the Warren County Career Center Health and Medical Assisting rooms.

“This is a good age,” Career Center School Counselor Carrie Smaroff said. “They’re excited and engaged. They’ll participate in activities.”

“They’re transitioning from elementary to middle school,” ambassador Faith Donnell said. “That’s when you start thinking about your future and planning your classes.”

“The career planning can start in middle school,” Burroughs said.

Several of the fifth graders indicated an interest in attending the career center when they are eligible.

Miranda Rutsky of Eisenhower found herself at home in the auto tech class. She expects to take up auto repair – the family business – later in her life.

Times Observer photos by Brian Ferry Warren County Career Center welding students Nicholas Wolfer and BrookeLynn Woods talk with Eisenhower Elementary School fifth graders about a welding robot during career day.

“My favorite part was learning about 3D printing and coding and how fast it can generate code,” Connor Schwabenbauer of St. Joseph said.

Jacob Sudul of Eisenhower explored a number of possible pathways on Thursday. “My favorite part was the welding robot,” he said. “My dad’s a fabricator.”

But, he didn’t stop there. “I’d like to cook,” he said. “I’d like to be an engineer.”