Area students will get a hands-on look at potential careers — from welding to veterinary care — during an upcoming event designed to spark interest in high-demand fields.
Owensboro Community & Technical College Workforce Solutions is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to host the second annual Hands-On Horizons event on April 15 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on OCTC’s downtown campus at 1501 Frederica Street.
The event is expected to bring nearly 70 students from Boys & Girls Club locations in Daviess, Butler, Henderson, and Ohio counties for an interactive introduction to career pathways and technical training opportunities available through OCTC.
Hands-On Horizons is designed to expose students to high-demand, hands-on careers through demonstrations and activities led by OCTC faculty and staff. Participating programs include veterinary technology, healthcare, commercial driver’s license (CDL), I-TEC, carpentry, welding, and other workforce-focused fields.
“Our goal is to help students see what’s possible and begin imagining themselves in careers they may not have considered,” said Sheri Plain, vice president of Workforce Solutions. “By giving them hands-on experiences and real conversations with instructors, we hope to spark curiosity and confidence at an early age.”
Officials said the partnership reflects OCTC’s continued focus on community engagement and workforce development, particularly by introducing students to career options aligned with regional workforce needs.
“Hands-On Horizons represents the power of partnership in action,” said Ryan Bibb, chief operating officer of the Boys & Girls Club. “By working alongside Owensboro Community & Technical College, we are giving our teen members meaningful, hands-on exposure to career pathways and real-world skills that prepare them for life after high school.”
Workforce Solutions Director Becky Barnhart said the event provides an opportunity for students to explore careers in a supportive setting while connecting with industry professionals.
“Hands-On Horizons gives students a chance to explore careers in a fun environment while connecting them with people who want to see them succeed,” Barnhart said.
The event marks the second year of the program, which organizers say continues to grow as a collaborative effort to introduce students to in-demand career fields.
