Kannapolis Middle School Expands Career Exploration with Transfr Trek
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Kannapolis Middle School is revolutionizing career exploration using Transfr Trek. These tools provide students with immersive experiences, helping them explore various professions, refine career interests, and create personalized career plans. Students match with careers that compliment their interest and then use virtual reality (VR) headsets to experience a day in the life of recommended occupations. Students are broadening their horizons, discovering new career paths and opportunities. Structured lesson plans simplify implementation for educators.
Hearing about Transfr Trek got me excited for the possibilities. My students now have an opportunity to explore careers in a way that’s fun, engaging, and seamless.
Enhancing career awareness with immersive technology
Kannapolis Middle School students are using Trek’s mobile-friendly platform to explore career options and experience virtual job simulations, helping them make more informed decisions about their future paths. School leaders are excited about offering new ways to engage students about career possibilities.
“Hearing about Transfr Trek got me excited for the possibilities,” says Zachery Martin, Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher. “My students now have an opportunity to explore careers in a way that’s fun, engaging, and seamless.”
The combination of VR simulations and the mobile experience allows students to experience different professions, refine their interests, and create individualized career plans.
Bridging gaps between learning and career readiness
Transfr Trek’s mobile experience complements VR simulations by guiding students toward career interests via interactive activities. Students use Transfr Trek’s mobile tools to identify industries they’d like to explore, which align with VR simulations that bring those careers to life.
The transition from mobile to VR is further supported by Transfr Trek’s Sim Pass feature, which seamlessly directs users into simulations that match their career interests, minimizing confusion and enhancing the learning experience. Former Career Development Coordinator Ashlyn Ozment highlights the impact that the mobile experience delivers:
“It bridges the gap between in-class learning and VR simulations, helping students explore and identify specific career interests before committing to simulations.”
This approach ensures that students gain meaningful insights into various career paths while actively engaging with the tools.
Success stories: Opening eyes to new careers
Students at Kannapolis Middle School have embraced Transfr Trek’s online and VR elements, broadening their career perspectives. Zachery recounts how one student, previously focused solely on manufacturing, discovered new fields of interest through Trek and was inspired to try additional VR simulations. Similarly, Ashlyn recalls a student’s newfound enthusiasm for CAD design, which sparked curiosity about local apprenticeships and training opportunities.
The structured lesson plans included with Transfr tools have played a key role in driving success at Kannapolis. Both educators emphasize their alignment with state standards and their ability to simplify career exploration activities. The plans help instructors smoothly integrate Transfr Trek’s mobile and VR components with other classroom activities, providing a cohesive and impactful learning experience.
“The lesson plans are well-structured,” Zachery explains. “They provide clear guidance on integrating the platform into classroom activities while allowing flexibility for customization. These plans save time while ensuring students are engaged in meaningful exploration — they’re also incredibly detailed.”
Looking ahead: Expanding access and impact
Zachery is eager to leverage Transfr’s career exploration curriculum more widely at the school, hoping to provide all students with access to immersive career exploration tools. He’s also interested in expanding the program to include high schools and elementary schools, ensuring continuity in career readiness education.
Ashlyn emphasizes how Transfr Trek complements other career development solutions by adding an immersive element to career exploration:
“Transfr Trek’s VR simulations offer an experiential layer that allows students to actively engage with potential careers. Together, they create a holistic career development program that ensures students are well-prepared for their future.”
