The JDI Group was proud to be part of the Liberty Center Local Schools Community Connections event last week, where we had the opportunity to engage with students and share insights about careers in architecture and engineering. We believe that mentoring and educating the youth is vital in inspiring the next generation of professionals, and events like this allow us to encourage their interest in our industry while offering guidance on potential career paths.
Our mechanical specialist, Jerry Brown, attended the event. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“I absolutely love talking to junior high and high school kids about all the jobs that are available in NW Ohio. My generation was told by our guidance counselors that if you didn’t get a college degree, you were a failure. 35 years later we are neck deep in a massive shortage of skilled trades workers and entry-level engineers. I will always promote vocational schools and associate degree programs and universities. Students today have access to College Credit Plus programs that were not available when I went to school. There are cases when a student can earn an associates degree before they even graduate from high school. I told many students at this event that we at JDI need entry-level designers to assist the engineers. I also told them that without the skilled trades, anything I design would never be built. My goal is to funnel kids into vocational schools and community colleges. This is the quickest way to start a career without massive student debt. I also want all these students to stay in NW Ohio. There is plenty of work here for everyone.”
We actively work with our community to provide mentorship to our youth through various programs. Learn more about the importance of mentoring and how JDI mentors internally and externally.
