Juniors get hands-on experience at Aims Discovery Days

Jayce Treat tries using a spray gun to paint a car.

Last Friday, 14 students from the junior class participated in Aims Discovery Days at the Aims Community College Windsor campus in order to learn more about vocational options.  The students had the opportunity to attend break-out sessions on Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Automotive Collision and Automotive Service, and Fire Science.  At each of the sessions, the students experienced hands-on activities and instruction from current teachers in the Aims Community College programs. 
 
During the automotive service session, Jayce Treat was able to use a spray-gun to practice painting a car and tried out a torque wrench to take off a tire. “I enjoyed how they let us experience what each course was like, as if we were students there,” commented Treat.
 
Guidance counselor, Nate Marin, organized this trip for students who are interested in learning about vocational career training programs and careers.  “The trip gave them opportunities to get hands-on experience and interact with professors who are actually teaching those classes,” he explained. “In our program, this is the next step for students before job-shadowing.  It helps them narrow down their focus on the areas they are most interested in.”
 
Treat felt the program gave him a good taste of vocational careers. “Sometimes you think you might enjoy a profession, but when you try it you realize you don’t enjoy it. Discovery Days gave me a good picture of what careers I like and which I don’t,” he explained.
 
In addition to the career-oriented sessions, the students also attended a workshop discussing applying for financial aid with a FAFSA and College 101, a class that went over the basics of applying for college and options offered at Aims and other Colorado universities. 

Jill Harlow, Communication Director

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