Area high school seniors learn about manufacturing careers at Southern Tech
(THE ARDMOREITE) – Quanesha Pickens is an Ardmore High School graduate who knew at a fairly young age that she wanted to work in architecture.
“I always thought doing this, I would have to start in a different state,” she said.
Even though she attended several colleges before earning a bachelor’s degree, the architectural designer was excited to return to Southern Tech for MFG Day to represent Ardmore-based SDG Architects. Scores of area high school seniors were on campus Thursday morning to meet regional business representatives like Pickens to learn what skills are needed for a future in manufacturing.
“We want to see more of the adults,” said Southern Tech program director Russell Keeton as he surveyed about a dozen booths flanked by manual mills, lathes and CNC machines in the Engineering Technology Building on campus. He and other staff were still pleased with the healthy turnout as attendees saw modern, high tech manufacturing tools that were on display.
More than a dozen businesses from across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas were represented during the Thursday event.
“The more people you know, the more places you can go.”
Quanesha Pickens, architectural designer and Ardmore High School graduate
Southern Tech was one of more than 2,900 locations across North American that held the event in recent weeks to promote manufacturing careers and the schools involved in training a new workforce.
Pickens said she understood that many high school students may not know what they want to do in the future. She said events like MFG Day are important for students so they can meet people that may help steer them toward a career path. “Yes, your degree can get you places, knowledge can get you places, but networking is key,” she said.
“The more people you know, the more places you can go.”