Andrew King missed the school bus to Vancouver’s inaugural Digital Technology Expo on Thursday morning because he had to take a test. But the Fort Vancouver High School student was determined to make it to the expo’s education preview so he could meet potential employers and learn what education and skills he’ll need for a future job.
He finished his test in 30 minutes and Principal Scott Parker drove him to the Hilton Vancouver Washington. They arrived a few minutes late, but Andrew, 16, headed for the expo floor. There he joined about 600 other high school students from the Vancouver, Evergreen, Camas, Hockinson and Battle Ground school districts for an opportunity to ask questions of professionals working in technology fields.
The education preview was the first part of the expo, which was organized by the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce with the help of dozens of local technology professionals.
The expo’s dual purpose was to offer information about digital technology to local businesses and to introduce local students to opportunities in technology fields.
Southwest Washington STEM Network was integral in contacting area high schools about the opportunity to connect with Southwest Washington technology professionals.
Andrew was ready to make those connections. Chad Young, Andrew’s video production teacher at Fort Vancouver, greeted Andrew on the expo floor and said he was glad he finished his test quickly and made it to the event.
“He’s one of my sharpest students,” said Young. “He was the only Fort sophomore invited to attend this event.”
His fellow Trappers were juniors or seniors, Young said. His classes next school year will include Mandarin, Advanced Placement U.S. history and careers and education.
“If I can get good grades, then colleges will look at me,” Andrew said.
He’s a whiz at video production and is exploring potential career paths. He’s already earning money for college. Last weekend, Andrew donned a bug suit for a pest control company.
Stopping at the Key Bank table, Andrew spoke with Chris Kautz, a branch manager. He asked what kinds of jobs were available at the bank and what training he would need to work there. Before he left, he said thank you and shook hands with Kautz. Afterward, Andrew explained that he was careful to make eye contact and pay attention to his body language.
“I’m a shy person, but you want to make sure you show them respect,” he said. “You want to be confident.”
He learned that from his dad, from his video production teacher Young and from Leadership Clark County volunteers who visited his school and talked about the importance of making a good impression and other “soft” skills.
At the Leadership Clark County table, he asked Angel Escobedo, the nonprofit’s executive director, how their training would help him.
“My main work is developing relationships,” Escobedo said. “Our focus is making sure people who come through our program are more active in our community.”
At another table, Andrew stopped and chatted with Daniel Choi, an event technician who works for PSAV, a company that provides event technology — digital programming, sound and lighting — for the Hilton and many other hotels and venues.
“With my video production skills from high school, can I get a job here?” Andrew asked.
Choi nodded, and they talked shop. Then it was time for Andrew to catch his bus back to school. Before he left, he offered his right hand and said, “Thank you, sir.”
At the WSU Vancouver table, about a dozen high school students stood watching a giant screen while another student wore an Oculus headset to experience a virtual reality tour of the Vancouver waterfront.
The T1 VR program was developed by WSU Vancouver students in the Creative Media & Digital Culture program for the Columbia River Economic Development Council. It’s a virtual reality narrative that allows the user to time travel and see changes coming to the Port of Vancouver’s Terminal One, explained Connor Goglin, 23, a WSU Vancouver senior.
“A lot of kids have seen Oculus on gaming channels. When they see us, they come running,” said Goglin, who is graduating next week.
He plans to look for a job in virtual reality developments, which he described as “just taking off.”
Another group of students filtered into the exhibition hall. Half a dozen gathered around Eric Olmsted at the table of his company, On Line Support, to watch Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb testing virtual reality glasses.
“As you can see, nobody likes this,” Olmsted said, laughing. “It’s a game. You’re inside the brain. You’re shooting neurons. Trying to fix someone’s brain.”
He added that virtual reality technology isn’t just for games but has work applications too.
ITech Preparatory senior Carlos Mercado, 17, watched Webb and waited for his turn.
“I heard about this tech expo. I wanted to come check it out. Great opportunities,” Carlos said.
Next fall, he plans to pursue an electrical engineering degree at WSU Vancouver. Eventually, he hopes to create games for training simulations for NASA and others.
“I’ve learned a bit of coding. I can’t wait to see how my future goes,” Carlos said.
