TOLEDO, Ohio, February 18, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, will host 35 students from local area high schools, including Bedford, Eastwood, Ida, Port Clinton, and Saline, on Tuesday, February 19th as part of Engineers Week. Focused on promoting entry into the engineering profession, Engineers Week takes place February 17 – 23, 2019 in locations across the U.S. Engineers Week is a way to increasing the understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers and helps address the shortage of talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers by increasing public dialogue about the need for engineers and other STEM professionals.
Visiting students will get hands-on experience from a team of engineers and technical experts when they spend part of their day at SSOE’s world headquarters in Toledo, Ohio for the “Engineer for a Day” program. The program will be held on Tuesday, February 19th from 12:30 PM until 3:30 PM. Students will attend a luncheon at The University of Toledo College of Engineering before meeting at SSOE. While at SSOE, they will have the opportunity to participate in team building activities, gain insight into the different engineering disciplines, and learn what it takes to become an engineer—and potentially a future employee of SSOE.
The program will begin with Mary Jo Szczublewski, PE, Structural Engineer, leading an activity titled “Paper Column Challenge”, which will involve students collaborating in teams to construct columns out of paper. The columns will then be tested to see how much vertical weight each structure can hold—measuring the students’ creativity with various design options in a team environment. Next, John Colley, PE, Senior Electrical Engineer, will lead a demonstration on electrical engineering titled “Let’s Build a Motor”, which will expose students to the motor effect and electromagnetism. The day will conclude with an overview of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), learning the important role of technology, presented by Lauren Collier, Department Manager, VDC Global Initiatives. After the overview, students will participate in a LEGO exercise, teaching them the value of VDC. The activity will simulate traditional building in a 2D model and then be repeated in a 3D model using virtual reality as a tool. This will help the students visualize the project more accurately, which results in reduced errors and time savings.
During the program, students will also learn about SSOE’s Student Co-op / Internship Program. This program provides college students with resume building experience, a competitive wage, and college credits. In the past 3 years, SSOE has hired more than 175 students in our Student Co-op / Internship Program for full-time positions at our 20+ offices. In addition, SSOE has been named a “Great Workplace” for the by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®, for 3 consecutive years.
SSOE is committed to preparing students for successful careers by generating interest and improving skills in STEM fields. For the last 4 years, the firm has sponsored Imagination Station’s Girl Power event, a STEM career day for girls that gives young women in the community an opportunity to meet and learn from women in STEM fields. This event offers special activities prepared by STEM professionals and the opportunity to explore the science center.
