Left: Westerville North High School students, along with a Westerville South student, were among the lucky pupils who got to participate in the “Engineer for a Day “event, hosted by the Westerville Electric Division. Right: Electric Utility Manager Andrew Boatright talked to attendees about how the day would enfold.
On Monday, February 8, 15 local high school students met at the Westerville Electric Division to participate in Engineer for a Day. They were selected because they have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in engineering. Electric Utility Manager Andrew Boatright, who organized the event, welcomed the pupils, who were paired up to shadow representatives from the City of Westerville’s Service, Planning & Development, Information Systems, Parks Maintenance and Electric Departments. The group heard from City Manager David Collinsworth during lunch, and in the afternoon, they got to tour the Water Treatment Plant and the WeConnect Data Center.
“In hosting the event, we wanted to share all the varied ways engineering-related professions are in play here at the City of Westerville,” said Boatright. “In addition, we hope to encourage students to consider careers not only in engineering or STEM, but also in the public sector.”
Boatright said the workforce has been and will continue to be in transition due to the impending retirements of very experienced professionals, which presents major challenges in the maintenance of institutional knowledge. “This transition also presents wonderful opportunities for our experienced professionals to mentor engineering leaders of the future,” he observed.
Students who participated in the Engineer for a Day event have been invited to attend the Westerville City Council meeting on February 16, when a National Engineer’s Week Proclamation will be presented.