Caterpillar workshop brings manufacturing lessons to East Peoria kids

EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - In celebration of manufacturing month, some East Peoria students got the chance to test out future careers.

Students at Central Junior High School were excited to join the ‘pathways’ lab.

The Caterpillar funded workshop offers a look at potential vocational trade and engineering job opportunities.

Different stations presented hands on learning for things like music and video production, 3D printing, wood cutting and engine repair.

”The most important thing of public education is getting kids ready for the workforce. We think this gives a huge leg up to our kids to have this exposure, this experience, to be able to get their hands on some of these machines, designs. The work that can lead to a future career. So to us, that’s really important that we give them the opportunity to experience it and decide if that’s something they want to do long term,” said Principal Matt Fraas.

A representative from Caterpillar says the company wants to be a strong corporate citizen that helps kids change their lives.

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