Highlands College to Host Exploration Day for Students
MISSOULA, Mont. — Highlands College of Montana Tech is inviting high school students to experience the trades and technology fields firsthand at Highlands College Exploration Day on April 9, 2025.
The event offers students a day of hands-on activities, allowing them to explore different career paths.
At the Exploration Day, students will engage in a variety of experiences. The Construction Technology-Carpentry Program will provide demonstrations of carpentry projects, while tours of the Machining Lab will showcase precision manufacturing using CNC machines and lathes. Students can also experience simulation activities in the Radiologic Technology lab and observe how line workers practice knot-tying and work with bucket trucks as part of the Pre-Apprentice Line Program.
“You will have an opportunity to try new things at Highlands College Exploration Day,” said Jared Edwards, a construction technology-carpentry student. “It’s not going to be class time, it’s going to be hands-on. You’re going to be changing tires, building a wall, operating a CNC machine, or welding.”
Edwards underscored the importance of introducing high school students to trade and technology options.
“Exploration Day helps you discover what you enjoy—and what you don’t,” Edwards stated. “It’s important to try things out before committing to a major. You might be interested in something, but until you experience it, you won’t know if it’s truly for you.”
Besides the hands-on activities, attendees will be able to tour the Highlands campus with current students, gather information about academic programs, enjoy a free lunch, and meet current Orediggers.
Zach Young, another construction technology-carpentry student originally from Arizona, believes that the trades offer young people numerous and lucrative career opportunities.
“There’s a lot of money in the trades, with a lot of older folks retiring,” Young said. “There’s plenty of openings. That’s the biggest thing for blue collar jobs right now, if you like to work with your hands, everybody’s hiring.”
Evan Winkler, a construction technology-carpentry student from Billings, emphasized the hands-on learning environment at Highlands College. Construction technology-carpentry students at Highlands College spend two years constructing a three-bedroom, two-bath modular home from start to finish.
“The hands-on experiences are great here,” said Winkler. “The instructors are really good. They’re very knowledgeable in the field.”
Winkler has already completed an internship with Jones Construction in Billings, which he believes has prepared him well for the jobsite. Winkler, Young, and Edwards all encourage students to attend the Exploration Day.
“We could sit here and talk with them, but they just need to come and try things out,” Edwards recommended.
To register for Highlands College Exploration Day, click [here](
