What if you could test-drive a career before committing to it?

This spring, a group of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) students got that chance through a hands-on career sampler in the skilled trades. Made possible by a generous grant from 3M, the program gave high school students a real-world look at careers where they could build, fix, design, and power our world. It was an experience they won’t soon forget.

Getting Hands-On with the Trades

In April and May 2026, students stepped onto the Saint Paul College (SPC) campus and into labs and shops where learning means doing. Over three sessions, they explored multiple trade programs through active participation.

high school student working on the system of the hybrid car in the trunk of the car.
high school student working on the system of the hybrid car in the trunk of the car.
Group of high school students observing the trunk of a car in the automotive shop.
Several high school students observe under the hood of a hybrid car as the instructor is teaching.
Group of high school students under a red car on a lift being shown what an automotive technician will work on.
Three high school students around a table working on the transmission of a car.
Three high school students around a table working on the transmission of a car.
High school students hands inside a part of of a car.
Automotive Instructor, Jake, is standing next to a cart that he is using to share tools and safety gear.
Automotive Instructor, Jake, standing next to Saint Paul College branded hybrid car.
Group of high school students standing next to the hood of the Saint Paul College branded hybrid car.

Day 1: Carpentry & CNC Machining (April 24)

Students got their first taste of the trades by helping build cabinets alongside carpentry instructors. From there, they learned how precision tools shape real-world products. The CNC machining instructors demonstrated their equipment, including a lathe, drill, and plasma cutter. Every student received a keytar (guitar keychain) with a laser-engraved QR code linking to SPC’s CNC machining program, along with a measuring tape.

Day 2: Engineering (May 5)

The second session brought out everyone’s competitive side with a LEGO bridge-building challenge in the engineering lab. Students were asked to build the strongest bridge, and the exercise taught structure and problem-solving. They then tested the bridges with incremental weight, and a standout moment came when a student built a bridge so strong that they could stand on it.

Day 3: Automotive (May 8)

Students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty as Automotive instructors showed them around gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles. SPPS students helped rebuild transmissions, learned how an engine works, and were taught how to shut down a high-voltage system typically seen in electric vehicles.

What was your favorite part?
The auto tech, taking out the wheels from the front and switching the wheels to the back, making the air pressure just right, and learning about painting the outsides and whatnot. I loved it !

11th Grade Student

Saint Paul Public Schools

The career sampler helps high schoolers answer a big question:

What do I want to do after graduation?

Students were given the opportunity to explore different industries, relevant tools, industry professionals, and what college could look like. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many students saying they wished they could have attended all three days and wanted to return to explore other programs.

We hope to provide career samplers for other public schools. If you are interested in exploring our programs, SPC offers multi-day summer camps for high schoolers:

  • Scrubs Camp – Healthcare Career Exploration: July 20-23, 2026
  • Summer Beauty Camp – Cosmetology: July 14-16, 2026
  • Advanced Manufacturing Summer Camp
Learn More

The trades are expected to add an average of 649,300 jobs annually to keep up with industry demand and employee transitions. This industry offers great opportunities for those interested, and our career sampler helps you discover whether you might love being a tradesperson and which specialty you might enjoy.

If you are curious, explore SPC. You might find your future along the way.

Questions? Email: Continuing.Education@saintpaul.edu