Fifth-graders Explore ‘Careers on Wheels’

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – Fifth-graders from the Twin Falls School District learned a little about careers – all kinds of professions – at an event on Wednesday.

The educational event, called “Careers on Wheels” and held at the CSI Expo Center, allowed the some 750 students to ask questions and learn how education impacts certain professions.

Presenters from local businesses came to the event with their vehicles – some with large utility trucks, others with simple cars – to let the students see what vehicle a certain professional may drive. Students were divided into groups, each group visiting the different booths to learn about that particular job or profession.

Among the careers represented were banking, law enforcement, firefighting, media and medical, and many others. In all, 67 booths were at the Expo Center.

At the News Radio 1310 booth – a vehicle wrapped in Townsquare Media’s stations’ logos – students learned about broadcast radio and digital journalism. Some students said they might like to be on the air or chase news stories one day, while others said they don’t want to use radio for anything but music or to listen to news reports. Students also learned about different aspects of radio at another Townsquare Media vehicle at the event.

Students walked away from the event with small gifts and treats as well as a better understanding of the many types of careers available and what they might need to do, educational and otherwise, if they want to purse any of them.

“I thought it was very successful,” said Jennifer Shaw, a counselor at Pillar Falls Elementary School, who helped organize the event. “It is a lot of work for the counselors and teachers, but they were all so supportive and great to work with.

“For the students, this is an excellent way for them to see exactly what they need to do for the real life jobs of their choice.” Careers on Wheels “is a great way to give them hands on experience into the six different career pathways and open up their minds to what their next step might be in their education to reach their career goals.”