David Goldstein from Public Works Agency explaining composting to Elsa and Lila. Photo by John Ferritto
In what’s becoming a favorite educational experience among local students, Ventura County Public Works Agency’s National Public Works Day public event held on Tuesday, May 17 piqued students’ interests in the Public Works sector.
With over 500 students attending ranging from elementary schools to high schools, VCPWA transformed the Government Center parking lot and a number of conference rooms into interactive learning centers highlighting the many facets of our local Public Works team. The emphasis was on educating young minds on the endless internship and job opportunities a career in Public Works may offer, giving students the chance to connect with several Public Works officials at a career booth.
VCPWA employees lead tours of several display booths, including heavy equipment demonstrations that gave students a chance to get up close to the equipment that is used by VCPWA on many of the work sites around the county. Fun activities included hands-on stations where students learned about native and drought tolerant plants, surveying, rain and stream measurements, composting with worms, a chance to visit the Storm Operations Center and for the first time and the unveiling of the new Raptor Study program showcasing hawk and owl exhibits.
VCPWA Director Jeff Pratt stated “National Public Works Day is a very important opportunity for us to educate and connect with the public. The community has a chance to get an in-depth look into a vital organization that is dedicated to providing and sustaining the county’s infrastructure and environment while enhancing the safety, health and quality of life for them.”
