Engineering students in GCISD’s Career and Technical program are learning the technical skills needed for the future, and thanks to aerospace and defense company Bell Helicopter, their teacher and a student, they are also getting even more insight into what businesses are looking for when hiring.
Bell engineers mentor the CTE program’s drone team, which recently placed 12th in the nation at the Advanced Vertical Robotics (AVR) Championships. Through this connection, they met Grapevine High School senior Jack McDonald, who has now landed a year-long paid internship at the company which he goes to on a daily basis during the STEM practicum class that CTE offers. STEM stands for science, engineering, technology and math.
“I’m working as a data scientist,” McDonald said, adding that he did apply and interview for the role. “It’s a great opportunity to help me discover the type of engineer I want to be. When I’m there, I’m actually learning how to be part of the workforce.”
This partnership isn’t just benefiting students. CTE teacher Anya McCarthy gained invaluable insight through Bell’s three-day summer externship for educators.
“We met with HR, IT, and engineering professionals, toured facilities, and attended sessions that highlighted the skills they look for in future employees and the types of jobs available,” McCarthy said.
During a leadership panel, she learned that standout traits for potential employees and interns include effective communication, willingness to learn and independent problem-solving.
Back in the classroom, McCarthy ensures her students build these essential skills. She integrates activities that sharpen communication, encourage collaboration and develop problem-solving abilities. For example, her Engineering I class recently tackled a challenge that required students to work together on efficient solutions.
“It excites students to see a peer like Jack, who is their age, working at a company that might seem unattainable to them and seeing the possibilities,” McCarthy said. “I also share with my class what I learned at my Bell externship and it motivates them.”
McDonald is equally inspired by what he is learning in class and at Bell.
“There are many pathways,” he said. “I’m learning a variety of skills, and most importantly, they’re making me career ready.”