AJ Bohmaker, Assistant Branch Manager at Curtis Lumber, speaking at Goff Middle School’s Lunch and Learn series.
The Howard L. Goff Middle School Intro to Career and Technical Education program has started a new speaker series that will focus on career exploration. The Lunch and Learn series started on Friday with AJ Bohmaker, assistant branch manager at Curtis Lumber, presenting during two different CCS periods.
Mr. Bohmaker talked about his position with Curtis Lumber, his job duties and why he enjoys working there while students enjoyed a snack. He also shared information about the company and the different roles that are needed such as sales, design, finance, information technology, warehouse support and delivery drivers.
The Lunch and Learn series was created by Intro to CTE – Home & Career Skills teacher Debreen Oliva. She is planning to have 16 different guest speakers in the Lunch and Learn series next school year.
“This speaker series is designed to help expose students to both traditional and non-traditional careers,” said Mrs. Oliva. “This series will allow students to explore careers by learning from professionals in various fields that may interest them. I also see the value in providing the opportunity for students to explore areas they may not have considered before. Presenters will inspire our students by sharing their career journey, a typical workday, education requirements, and other information about their career and career path.”
This speaker series supports one of the Board of Education’s goals to “Promote and support the expansion of pathways for students to pursue the trades, career and technical fields.”
“As a middle school principal, I am thrilled to support our Lunch and Learn program that Debreen Oliva designed and has begun to implement,” said Goff Interim Principal James McHugh. “This teacher initiative provides our students with a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from various fields, including the trades, during their lunch periods. By connecting with these experts, our students gain invaluable insights into different career paths and the skills required to succeed in them. This program not only broadens their understanding of the workforce but also inspires them to engage in their studies with more enthusiasm and purpose.”