Approximately 1500 students from North Callaway, New Bloomfield, South Callaway, and Fulton High School had the opportunity to explore trade careers through the “Be Pro, Be Proud” virtual program in March.
The event was organized by the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, aiming to provide students with hands-on experiences and information about different technical careers. Megan Kempker, Workforce Development and Training Coordinator for the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, spent several months working with Be Pro Be Proud, Inc. to prepare for the week-long event.
Over 100 business leaders attended the 5-day training event, including Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri Workforce Development and Higher Education Interim Director Julie Carter.
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“Be Pro Be Proud” is a workforce development initiative that introduces students to technical careers through virtual reality experiences, including plumbing, HVAC, construction, carpentry, waterworks, truck driving, and more, featured in a spacious 53-foot semi-truck equipped with multiple simulators. The truck expands to cover 1,000 square feet.
Callaway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Central Workforce Development Board member Tamara Tateosian has big plans for the future, working with state officials to expand the simulator experience throughout Missouri.
“We hope to do this by building this program that mirrors the Be Pro Be Proud, Inc. in Arkansas and building our own truck to put on the road to set students up for career success,” said Tateosian.