As technology advances at an astonishing rate, the need for engineers also increases. A class that used to be a basic elective just years ago has now blossomed into multiple classes covering different facets of the field. The interest has also spawned two popular extra-curricular clubs.

For students interested in engineering and in making a career in the field after college, there is an internship program available in the district.

Diane Brewer, business teacher, developed the engineering internship a number of years ago.

“I developed the internship for kids who had their hearts set on a career in engineering at an early age,” Brewer said.

Some students know when they are young that they want to be an engineer.

“Ever since I was a kid I’ve been wanting to be an engineer or do something with math and science,” Benson Phillips, senior, said. “I love fixing problems.”

The district has partnered with Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technology company, to give students in the program valuable hands-on experience.

“So far I’ve learned the basics of airplanes,” Amy Hughes, senior, said. “I enjoyed climbing on the airplanes after testing them for cracks.”

The professional environment has also taught the students many lessons.

“I’ve learned business etiquette as well as how to communicate effectively,” Phillips said.

The students have had the chance to work on many real world projects.

“Some things I can’t talk about because they are classified,” Phillips said. “But one thing I enjoyed working on was attaching lasers to airplanes.”

One of the projects is already being put to use at UTA.

“I created an application on the computer for UTA to use,” Darius Gray, senior, said.

The opportunities created by this internship have given students experience that they can take with them after graduation.

“Just having that on your resume is great,” Phillips said. “Most people don’t have anything this prestigious on their resume until after they’ve finished college.”