BOARDMAN, Ore.-Some Hermiston High School students had the opportunity to participate in a technology career exploration event at the Blue Mountain Community College Workforce Training Center in Boardman on February 10.
The immersive half-day career exploration event was designed to connect students to growing opportunities in technical fields in their own communities, and was a collaboration between BMCC, the Hermiston School District (HSD), and Amazon.
“This immersive experience helps showcase the types of STEM careers available but also gives students interviewing and communication skills that are critical in being successful anywhere,” said Benjamin Harvey, Community Engagement Manager at Amazon. “These educational partnerships help create real career pathways and opportunities for students right here in their own communities.”
A total of 32 Hermiston High School students explored technology career pathways through three rotating lab sessions at the event, including mock interviews with Amazon/AWS professionals, electrical systems training with circuit-building exercises, and data center technician work.
“By rotating through mock interviews, electrical systems, and data center technician labs, students get to connect what they’re learning in class to real-world skills, build confidence, and start to picture what’s next after graduation,” said Scott Depew, Director of Secondary Instruction with the Hermiston School District.
Amazon continues to expand opportunities for students and job seekers by partnering with BMCC, K-12 schools, and workforce organizations in the region. According to Amazon, these collaborative efforts provide students real exposure to career possibilities in one of the fastest-growing industries in the region.
“Through hands‑on learning, students will gain real‑world skills and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available across our region’s growing tech and industrial sectors,” said Tammy Short, Dean of Career Technical Education at BMCC. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering local students, strengthening workforce readiness, and building a strong future for our communities.”
AWS partnered with BMCC to start its Data Center Technician program a decade ago and has partnered with the HSD on an Amazon Think Big Space benefiting elementary and high school students, as well as recent Think Big Experience and Girls Tech Day events to provide STEM education and access.
“Opportunities like this give Hermiston High School students, many of whom already have the aptitude and passion for this work, real exposure to high-demand careers and hands-on training beyond the classroom,” said Depew.
