OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It's the age-old question many students are asked... what do you want to be when you grow up?
But rather than just thinking about the future, students across the metro are getting hands-on experience with local businesses.
"I get to create something that can hopefully change the future," said student Cris-Angel Zubia.
Zubia likes working with his hands.
The 8th grader says he's considered becoming a welder or an engineer.
"The sky is the limit and they don't have to make a decision immediately," said Bonnie Savine, Vice President of HR for MUD.
Thousands of students are visiting local businesses like MUD to learn more about potential careers.
"Middle school is the perfect time for them to begin to identify their career interest," said Savine.
The Greater Omaha Chamber hosts Careerockit, which creates connections between businesses and students.
At MUD, students learned about skills needed to work inside the water plant.
“They can begin a career at a company like MUD and then later on, they really identify what they're interested in. Or maybe, you know, that they're ready for college--they can use those tuition assistance benefits and then begin their own college career," said Savine.
During the visit, students created their own water filters.
Two-thirds of job openings at MUD are filled internally, so Savine said it’s never too early to start thinking about the future.
Twenty school districts and more than 200 employers participate in the Careerrockit program, which ends on Friday.
