Hands-On Career Exploration: A Real World Learning Tour with JE Dunn Construction
At The Transition Academy, we believe in the power of exposure to new ideas, new opportunities, and new experiences. That’s why we organize Real World Learning tours—to help students see possibilities beyond high school and discover career paths they may have never considered.
Our recent visit to JE Dunn Construction’s Blue Hat division was a perfect example of this mission in action.
Our TTA students from Hogan Preparatory Academy toured the facility, got up close with the heavy-duty tools and equipment used in the skilled trades, and even rolled up their sleeves to try their hand at using drills, nail guns, and working with cement. It wasn’t just a tour—it was an experience.
One JE Dunn employee shared how he started his career: at 18 years old, unsure of what direction to take, he applied for an apprenticeship. Today, he has built a successful career in the trades—proof that hands-on work can lead to long-term success and upward mobility. His story resonated with many of our students, who are still figuring out what their own futures could look like.
At TTA, we believe that “you can’t be what you can’t see,” a quote attributed to Marian Wright Edelman, a Black American activist and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Many students—especially those with disabilities—are rarely shown the full range of career possibilities available to them. Real World Learning helps fill that gap by connecting students directly with professionals and workplaces, so they can explore options, ask questions, and imagine themselves in roles they may have never envisioned.
Several students left the tour excited about careers in the trades—careers that now feel real and attainable.
We’re incredibly grateful to JE Dunn for opening their doors and investing in the next generation of skilled workers. Together, we’re helping students focus on opportunities instead of obstacles. Watch the video about the students experience here: