Explore Careers Through Hands-On Learning

“When am I ever going to use this?”

It’s one of the most common questions students ask in the classroom.

GO TEC helps answer that question by connecting classroom concepts to real technologies, industries and careers. Through 11 hands-on, industry-aligned modules, students experience how the knowledge and skills they are developing today connect to future educational and career opportunities.

Built around high-demand industries and workforce needs, the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TECยฎ) modules introduce students to technologies and career pathways that are important to Virginia’s economy and increasingly important nationwide. Rather than steering students toward a specific occupation, GO TEC exposes students to the opportunities available to them, giving them a stronger foundation for future educational and career decisions.

Explore the Modules

The Why Behind the Modules  

GO TEC was created to help address workforce and economic development challenges by introducing students to growing, in-demand industries before they reach high school. The modules reflect sectors that employers need today and will continue to need in the future. 

Students explore growing, in-demand career fields related to manufacturing, engineering, healthcare technologies, information technology and other critical industries through hands-on experiences with technologies commonly found in today’s workplaces. Each module is designed to help students build foundational skills and discover career paths that might interest them.  

The modules were selected and designed to align with real workforce needs while reinforcing and building on concepts students encounter in traditional academic coursework. Whether students are learning measurement, geometry, energy transfer, coding logic or the scientific method, GO TEC provides practical applications that make those concepts more relevant and meaningful. 

Real Industry Technologies

Students do not work with simplified versions of industry equipment. GO TEC modules incorporate the same technologies and tools used by employers across Virginia and beyond.

For example, students use Haas CNC controllers like those found in modern machine shops, interact with advanced robotics systems and develop welding skills using simulators from industry leaders Lincoln Electric and Miller. By engaging with authentic technologies, students gain a better understanding of both the work and the industries behind it.

Modern Industries. Modern Technologies.

Many parents still hold outdated perceptions of manufacturing and technical careers: dirty shop floors, unsafe working conditions and excessive manual labor. Unless they have a family member working in manufacturing, many students arenโ€™t introduced to these jobs as viable career paths.

Today’s manufacturing, engineering and technology workplaces are very different, involving robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, digital systems and sophisticated equipment. These careers often combine advanced technologies, clean working environments, competitive wages and opportunities for long-term growth and increasingly rely on problem-solving, technical knowledge and digital skills.

GO TEC gives students firsthand exposure to these technologies and career paths while indirectly giving parents a new understanding of modern manufacturing. Through those experiences, students develop a better understanding of what these careers actually look like, the educational pathways that support them and the opportunities available within their own communities.

Students cannot pursue opportunities they do not know exist.

Flexible by Design

Every school division is different.

GO TEC modules are designed to fit a variety of instructional schedules, staffing models and educational environments. School divisions can implement modules in sixth, seventh and/or eighth grade, creating a progression that aligns with local needs and goals.

Programs may be delivered as:

  • A minimum of 45 days at 45 minutes per day
  • Extended learning experiences
  • Semester-long courses
  • Multi-year middle school progressions

Through every delivery cadence, GO TEC modules offer consistent, high-quality learning experiences for students. This flexibility enables divisions to meet local goals while delivering consistent student outcomes.

The Modules

GO TEC modules were developed through collaboration with industry, education and workforce partners to reflect current and emerging workforce demands. Together, these learning experiences introduce students to technologies, concepts and career pathways that support economic growth.

Automation & Robotics

Students explore the fundamentals of automation and robotics using technologies such as the Dobot Magician robotic arm and VEX IQ robotics systems. Through hands-on activities, they learn how automated systems move, communicate and perform tasks in modern workplaces.

By programming robotic systems and solving engineering challenges, students develop problem-solving, computational thinking and technical skills while gaining exposure to one of the fastest-growing areas of advanced manufacturing and technology.

Students explore:

  • Robotics systems
  • Automation concepts
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Industry 4.0 technologies

Electrical Engineering

Students investigate how electrical energy and magnetism power the technologies and equipment that support modern life. Using Arduino Uno microcontrollers, digital multimeters and design software, they gain hands-on experience with electrical systems and engineering concepts.

The module reinforces science, mathematics and problem-solving skills while introducing students to the technologies and careers that drive innovation across engineering, manufacturing and energy industries.

Students explore:

  • Electrical systems
  • Circuits and energy transfer
  • Microcontrollers
  • Engineering principles

IT Coding & Networking

Students learn computer science fundamentals through coding activities, programming challenges and hands-on technology projects. Working with visual programming environments, script-based programming concepts and Arduino microcontrollers, they build logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The module helps students understand how software, networks and digital systems support modern industries while introducing career pathways within information technology and computer science.

Students explore:

  • Coding fundamentals
  • Programming logic
  • Digital systems
  • Computational thinking

Manufacturing Engineering

Students discover how products move from concept to production while exploring quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. Using technologies such as 3D printers and laser cutters, they experience how manufacturers combine creativity, engineering and problem-solving to bring ideas to life.

The module connects classroom math and science concepts to real manufacturing environments while highlighting the technologies and careers that support modern industry.

Students explore:

  • Lean manufacturing concepts
  • Process improvement
  • Product design
  • Additive and subtractive technologies

Mechanical Engineering

Students use the engineering design process to create, evaluate and improve solutions to real-world challenges. Through Tinkercad, laser cutting technology and 3D printing, they learn how engineers transform ideas into functional products.

The module demonstrates how scientific principles, mathematics and creativity work together throughout the design and development process while introducing careers in engineering and product design.

Students explore:

  • Engineering design
  • Energy transfer
  • 3D modeling
  • Prototype development

Metrology

Students learn how measurement supports quality, precision and consistency across manufacturing and engineering environments. Using tools such as calipers, micrometers, scales and steel rules, they gain experience collecting accurate measurements and applying quality standards.

The module reinforces mathematical concepts while introducing students to the critical role measurement plays in manufacturing, inspection and quality assurance careers.

Students explore:

  • Precision measurement
  • Quality control
  • Inspection techniques
  • Measurement technologies

Precision Machining

Students are introduced to modern machining through a classroom-friendly Haas CNC milling machine and CAD/CAM software. They learn how digital designs are converted into machine instructions and ultimately into finished products.

By applying mathematics, geometry and engineering concepts, students gain a foundational understanding of advanced manufacturing processes and the careers that support precision machining.

Students explore:

  • CNC machining
  • CAD/CAM software
  • Coordinate systems
  • Manufacturing processes

Welding

Students learn about welding processes, workplace safety and the role welding plays across manufacturing, infrastructure and construction industries. Through advanced welding simulators, they gain exposure to concepts used in MIG, TIG and Stick welding in a safe learning environment.

The module introduces one of the nation’s most in-demand skilled trades while helping students understand the technologies, techniques and career opportunities associated with modern welding.

Students explore:

  • Welding processes
  • Workplace safety
  • Skilled trades careers
  • Industrial applications

Energy

Students explore how energy is generated, distributed and used to power homes, businesses and industries. Through hands-on activities involving renewable energy technologies, turbines and solar energy systems, they investigate the science behind power generation and efficiency.

The module connects classroom science concepts to real-world energy challenges and introduces students to careers in traditional and renewable energy sectors that power the modern economy.

Students explore:

  • Power generation
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Energy efficiency
  • Sustainability concepts
Healthcare Technologies

Students explore body systems, healthcare technologies and medical tools commonly used by healthcare professionals. Through hands-on experiences with CPR manikins, blood pressure simulators, stethoscopes and microscopes, they gain insight into patient care, diagnostic technologies and healthcare environments.

The module introduces a variety of educational and career pathways within one of Virginia’s fastest-growing workforce sectors.

Students explore:

  • Human body systems
  • Medical technologies
  • Healthcare equipment
  • Healthcare careers

Precision Agriculture

Students discover how technology is transforming agriculture through hands-on experiences with Babylon Micro-Farms, hydroponic systems and environmental monitoring technologies. They learn how automation, data and science support modern food production and resource management.

The module connects agriculture, sustainability and technology while introducing career opportunities within one of the nation’s most rapidly evolving industries.

Students explore:

  • Precision agriculture
  • Hydroponics
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Agricultural technologies and careers

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