High school students invited to Trades and Technology Day at Highlands College

Climb a utility pole

Climb a utility pole. Change a tire. Build a wall. Take an X-ray. Trades and Technology Day at Highlands College of Montana Tech gives Montana high school students a chance to trade the classroom for hands-on career exploration on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

A student welds

“This is such an exciting opportunity for students, and one of our favorite events to host,” Director of Workforce and K-12 partnerships Kinsley Bennett said. “We love creating opportunities for students to step outside the classroom, explore possibilities they may have never considered, and discover new interests through hands-on experiences. It’s inspiring to see students engage, ask questions, and envision what their future could look like.”

Students participate in an xray

Students will remain with their school throughout the day, with each school selecting their top three career programs for students to explore. Highlands College will organize each school’s experience around their selected programs, providing engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as automotive, broadband technology, civil engineering technology, healthcare, commercial equipment and driving operations, computer networks and cybersecurity, construction, mining technology, precision machining, web development, welding, and the pre-apprentice line program.

Students will also visit the Industry Room to explore local industries, learn about career opportunities, and discover the skills and training employers are looking for.

Trades and Technology Day will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, at Highlands College, 25 Basin Creek Road in Butte. Lunch will be provided for students; dietary restrictions should be shared in advance. Space is limited, so students and schools are encouraged to register early. Chaperones are required to attend with schools, and students registering individually are required to bring a parent or guardian. Register at this link. Schools are encouraged to register students individually. To register a school as a group, contact Kinsley Bennett at krafish@mtech.edu or (406) 496-4684.

Trades and Technology Day is designed to help students explore the dynamic fields of trades and technology through hands-on learning. Students can discover programs that combine creativity, technical expertise and practical skills while learning more about potential career pathways.

Not sure what you want to study? Highlands College offers associate and certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand careers, including:

 

 

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