More than 100 middle and high schoolers from throughout Ventura County marveled industry professionals last Thursday with their innovation and technical talent at the first annual Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase in Camarillo. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the ingenuity of local youth and the importance of providing educational opportunities that can lead to local manufacturing careers. 

From robotics to welding and carpentry, the students displayed their innovative projects and their potential to power the future of Ventura County's manufacturing sector. The top three highest scoring teams were:

1. Scorps - Adolfo Camarillo High School (Oxnard Union HSD)

2. TriTron - Pacifica High School (Oxnard Union HSD)

3. Soundwaves - De Anza Academy of Technology & the Arts (Ventura USD)

“Preparing students for local manufacturing jobs is a real necessity,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “We don’t want to see companies leaving Ventura County due to a lack of qualified employees, so we are working to give students the skills they need to build rewarding careers with local employers in the manufacturing industry.” The showcase marks the beginning of a renewed effort to align educational programs with industry needs, ensuring that Ventura County students are prepared to be part of a bright economic future for Ventura County.

The showcase was a joint project of the Ventura County Office of Education's Career Education Department, the Ventura County Industry Council, and the Ventura County Community College District. We’d also like to thank the industry partners who served as judges and networked with students, as well as the many local teachers who helped students prepare their projects. 

More information about the career education programs and initiatives of the Ventura County Office of Education can be found www.vcoe.org/cec.