RW2 Career Day 2023 was a day full of inspiration and opportunities, where promising students got a glimpse into the world of drafting and design. In partnership with the National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE), we were proud to award two deserving students with scholarships to help them kickstart their careers. Let’s take a closer look at Fana Gallo from Blue Valley Academy and Adrian Diggins,Herndon Career Center, our scholarship winners.
RW2 Career Day: A Glimpse of the Future
The RW2 Career Day was a momentous occasion filled with excitement and anticipation as high school seniors gathered to get a glimpse into their potential future in the world of drafting and design. The event was an opportunity for students to explore opportunities in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
The event took place on December 8, 2023, at Mark One Electric in Kansas City, Missouri. As the doors opened at 9:00 a.m., the energy in the room was palpable. Students and teachers from Blue Valley Academy, Herndon Career Center, and Shawnee Mission South High Schools came together, eager to learn about skills and careers in the AEC industry.One of the highlights of the day was the career day panel with Nick Bock from JE Dunn and Emmanuel Johnson from Crown Lift Trucks. These industry experts shared their experiences and insights, inspiring the students to dream big and embrace the opportunities that lay before them.
Other events during the day included a soft skills challenge where students had to work in teams, collaborate, and use critical thinking skills in a fictitious scenario. There was also a CADD lab where students were able to use AutoCAD to make some fun drawing and designs after receiving insights about the importance and universal use of drafting and design skills in almost every industry.
While the RW2 Career Day had opened doors and ignited a spark in the students, the true highlight of the day was the moment when the scholarship winners were announced.
Encouraging Innovation with NICE
The National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE) has been making waves in the construction industry since its establishment in 1998. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of construction career fields among young people, parents, and educators.
NICE believes that all students deserve a rewarding career and a good quality of life, whether or not they attend college.
NICE’s mission is to engage with students from 6th grade all the way through their senior year in high school, providing them with opportunities to explore the construction industry and discover their passion within it.
As Greg Lever, NICE KC Executive Director, puts it, “It is our mission at NICE to engage with the students several times a year, beginning in 6th grade and continuing that level of engagement through their senior year in high school.“
Through initiatives like the RW2 Career Day, NICE encourages innovation and fosters the growth of promising young talent in the construction industry. By providing students with valuable experiences, resources, and connections, NICE is paving the way for a bright future in construction and design.
NICE’s commitment to engaging with students at a young age sets them on a path of exploration, growth, and endless possibilities. Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow.
Celebrating the Scholarship Winners
The highlight of the RW2 Career Day was undoubtedly the moment when the scholarship winners were announced. Fana Gallo from Blue Valley Academy and Adrian Diggins from Herndon Career Center were the two recipients of the scholarships valued at $5,000 each.
Congratulations to Fana and Adrian, and may they continue to shine and succeed in their careers.
Looking Forward: The Future of the AEC Industry
The AEC Industry is an exciting and dynamic landscape, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for innovation. As we reflect on the success of the RW2 Career Day and appreciate all of the students who participated, we can’t help but look forward to what lies ahead in this ever-evolving industry.
At RW2, we believe in preparing or helping individuals skill up for the future by equipping them with the necessary skills, technical and soft, and knowledge through our offerings such as Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Cybersecurity These programs provide students with a solid foundation in cutting-edge technologies and industry practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Ready to embark on your own journey in the technically skilled workforce? Join us at RW2 and fulfill your passion today!
