Big Idea Skill is a mobile skills training lab that introduces tenth-grade students to various trades, including welding and construction. The truck features transfer headsets that cover 27 different skill trades across a wider range. It also includes construction projects such as demolition, bridge building, asphalt work, and crane operations. It’s an introduction to work skills.
THS sophomores had the opportunity to spend time learning through hands-on experiences, rather than just listening. It introduces students to real tasks in the skilled trades.
“We’re all about the skilled trades, like welding, construction work, plumbing, and carpentry.” Pat Hughes, a team member from The Big Idea Skills, said. “These jobs help build our world.”
Experiencing these skills in a simulated environment gives students confidence and helps them try new things. Even just trying a tool can make a student feel more comfortable asking questions.
“It helps them feel comfortable learning something new,” Hughes said.
Hands-on work also teaches teamwork and problem-solving. It lets students practice building something step by step. `
“A lot of skilled trades[men] are comfortable creating things with others,” Hughes said.
The team members know students are growing in these areas when they show interest or ask how to improve. Some even choose careers because of Big Idea Skills.
“I had students who went on to train as electrical linemen after trying it here,” Hughes shared.
Big Idea Skills open doors and help students discover what they can do – sometimes for the first time. The project is important for tenth graders to be introduced to different fields.
“We could only write grants for one certain target area, and that area for us is our sophomores,” Create Foundation career coach Noah Bass said. “We use YouScience, and we start trying to pinpoint what direction [sophomore students are going in their field.”
By the 11th grade, career coaches begin providing job shadowing experiences. Then, by 12th grade, they aim to secure internships that provide more exposure, which deepens as students progress into a chosen career.
