Students and advisers from Marysville's various high school vocational programs hosted an afternoon meet-and-greet for local business people October 7 in an effort to spur opportunities for internships, job shadowing and part-time employment.

Representatives from the Arts and Technology High School's industrial arts and manufacturing programs spoke enthusiastically about the school's award-winning robotics team and opportunities for exploring non-traditional career pathways.

Linda Evensen, a junior at A&T, is an artist who is exploring creative ways to use welding techniques.

"It's great, because I can take all my aggression out on the metal," said the young woman with a smile.

The Pathways of Choice SLC at M-PHS was represented by students and teachers who are involved in family and consumer services, child development, horticulture, animal sciences, auto mechanics, marketing and promotions, graphic design and technical writing.

Several of the programs are already enjoying successful partnerships with local businesses. The animal science team works with local farmers and ranchers to care for and learn about livestock and other domestic animals. The students may show the animals at local fairs to earn ribbons and other credentials.

Chuck Nichols, instructor in Pathways' auto skills program, explained that his students are learning more than how to tune an engine.

"They are interested in alternative energy designs and mechanical engineering," said Nichols, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the auto industry to the program. "They learn about physics, hydraulics, applied math and science."

The high school program's curriculum for auto mechanics training is coordinated with Skagit Valley and Shoreline community colleges so students can successfully enter those programs and earn an AA degree. About a dozen of Nichols' former students are now employed by local dealerships.

Pathways students are also learning valuable skills in graphic design and communications, office administration and web design, led by teachers Will Hill and Becky Roberts.

Construction and engineering is the focus of the aptly-named Academy of Construction and Engineering (ACE). Using curriculum approved by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), teacher Glen Owen is confident in the skills his students are learning.

After four years in the high school program, many ACE students will be eligible for college-level certification in 21 areas. The Association of General Contractors endorses the program, and Owen is exploring a partnership with the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council.

Rosa Chavez, the president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at the School of the Entrepreneur this year, spoke about the advantages of the school's career-focused curriculum.

"We learn work-related skills, of course," said Rosa, "but we also get to focus on social skills, leadership and professional growth as well."

The business-centric SLC offers instruction in marketing, accounting, business law and finance, along with journalism and graphic design. Most students are members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) or DECA, a business-focused extracurricular club.

Johnny Booker, a new teacher in the Bio-Med Academy, is an advocate of using technology in the classroom and has equipped his teaching space with audio and video enhancements that keep students involved and interested. Working with the academy's TV3 crew, Booker helped produce a student movie entitled "Emergency Room." His students are "immersed in technology," which helps prepare them for careers in the changing workplace.

The school district actively seeks business partnerships for mentoring, job shadow opportunities, part-time student employment and internships. For information, contact Career and Technical Education director Dr. Susan Longstreth at (360) 657-6130.