On March 15th, APA held its first Career Day to help students learn from and network with over 40 professionals from throughout Chicago. All APA students were challenged to be "interview ready" so they arrived at school that day dressed professionally with their resumes in-hand. After an inspiring keynote address from Mr. Speller, engineer and former APA teacher, students attended three different career panels to hear a diversity of professionals from various fields including engineering, manufacturing, health care, education and social justice who shared their career path experiences. In keeping with APA's mission, all of the guests were asked to share how advanced manufacturing and technology positively impacts the work that they do.

The second half of the event was dedicated to the students' own professional development by practicing their soft skills. All students participated in at least two mock-interviews where interviewers asked tough questions and provided encouragement and constructive feedback. Students especially enjoyed the interviews and specifically appreciated the feedback on aspects such as their nonverbal communication, and how to best present one's strengths and weaknesses. 

 

On March 6th, 18 APA students participated in Job Shadow Day.  Students had a chance to see how what they learned in school applies in the real world while visiting some of APA's dedicated manufacturing partners. They toured the facilities then shadowed employees in different departments to learn about different aspects of manufacturing including engineering design, marketing, production, and quality control. Eleven out of the 18 students that participated in Job Shadow Day already have a NIMS credentials. For these students in particular it was great to put their knowledge to work on the production floor.