FRCE Empowers Local Teachers to Launch Students into Thriving Industrial Careers

The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently opened its doors to a select group of Craven County school teachers for a hands-on externship program. The initiative aimed at equipping educators with insights into industry careers, thereby enhancing student preparedness for technical fields.

Four teachers participated in the five-day program, immersing themselves in FRCE’s operations. The activities included extensive depot tours and interactions with professionals from diverse career fields.

Michelle Smith, FRCE’s K-12 STEM Education Outreach Coordinator, emphasized the program’s importance. “As Eastern North Carolina’s largest employer, it’s essential we support programs like this,” said Smith. “Raising awareness among local teachers allows them to better guide students toward careers at FRCE.”

Since 2015, FRCE has been involved in the teacher externship program to promote STEM education in the community. The sessions help teachers develop curricula that align with the technical careers available at the depot.

“This program gives teachers local workforce information they can share with students,” Smith added. “It helps set students on a path to achieve their career goals.”

Innovation Lead Randall Lewis noted that teachers toured various production and engineering areas during their time at FRCE. “We expose them to everything from engineering and logistics to IT and cybersecurity,” said Lewis. “It’s crucial for educators to be well-informed about our wide range of job opportunities.”

The experience was eye-opening for many educators. Michelle Roderick, a Spanish teacher at Havelock High School, remarked on the variety of careers available. “We’ve gained an extensive overview of the organization and its many opportunities,” said Roderick.

Roderick also highlighted the importance of non-STEM skills. “Even in a STEM-oriented place like FRCE, communication and public speaking skills are highly valued,” she said.

Desiree Jones, a support teacher at Tucker Creek Middle School, plans to share her newfound knowledge with her students. “Many of my students don’t end up going to college,” said Jones. “Now, I can show them viable career paths that don’t require a degree.”

Michael Leyland, a media coordinator at Grover C. Fields Middle School, expressed optimism for his students’ futures. “There are so many opportunities here for different skill sets. We can now better guide our students in their career choices,” said Leyland.

FRCE’s involvement in the externship is part of its broader STEM education and outreach efforts. “Not everyone knows what we do here,” Smith said. “Programs like these help us connect with the community and attract future talent to FRCE.”

Lewis highlighted the ongoing expansion of FRCE’s outreach initiatives. “Our education and outreach program is growing, helping us build a quality workforce,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see former students now working in our labs or on production lines.”

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure local students consider FRCE when choosing their career paths. “We want students to know there’s potential for a fulfilling career here in Eastern North Carolina,” concluded Lewis.