On Tuesday, November 14, IBEW hosted a high school STEM team-based challenge event at the IBEW-NECA Training Center in Alsip, in correlation with National Apprenticeship Week. This week is dedicated to a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for rebuilding our economy.
IBEW's STEM challenge engaged teams of students to work on a project based on the renewable energy market, teams worked with project drawings and specifications to run calculations and develop engineering designs. BHSD 228 Project Lead the Way engineering students gathered project points at several stations by carrying conduits, climbing a cage, measuring the job site, a physical challenge, and installing a solar panel. IBEW 2nd year apprentices acted as mentors throughout the day answering questions and guiding the students.
Renee Mack, BHSD 228 Career Readiness Coordinator, shared that IBEW created a model event of what a team-based challenge is.
"Having the students work in teams, critically think, and participate in real hands-on projects seen in the industry, all while having fun. We appreciate IBEW for hosting this great event and we value our partnership. District 228 actively seeks opportunities to bridge what students learn in the classroom to workplace skills needed in industry."