SANDPOINT — Diesel mechanics, automotive diagnostics, machining, 3D printing — those are just a few of the North Idaho College programs that participated in last year's NIC CTE Roadshow at Sandpoint High School.

This year is set to be even bigger than last year, said Malia Meschko, computer-aided design instructor at SHS.

"The importance of this event is for students to ask questions of instructors, gain experience and hopefully begin to think of themselves in a career role within one of the industries that they are drawn to," Meschko said in an email to the Daily Bee. "A former student who is now in the industrial mechanics training program at the NIC said he is thrilled to be doing what he is and looking forward to a career using his hands and intellect to solve problems."

As CTE stands for Career-Technical Education, many of the programs that participate in the roadshow are hands-on, such as the diesel and automotive programs. All of NIC's 42 CTE programs are scheduled to attend Friday's event. Some of the school's transfer programs will also be in attendance, as well as military representatives and the American Institute of Clinical Massage, so more than 50 booths will be set up with activities for the students, Meschko said.

All of the regions school's have been invited and all but two have signed up to attend, and parents and community members are encouraged to stop by as well.

NIC representatives travel to different schools each year to introduce the different CTE programs available. Last year was the first time SHS hosted the roadshow where high school students of all levels, freshman through senior, were exposed to different career opportunities. Meschko said there was such a good turnout and good feedback, the roadshow decided to return to SHS.

"If the roadshow opens the door to a career for students, that is the purpose," Meschko said. "Where else can you get this many people together to meet, speak with, hear about the program and try our hand at something done on the job? Nowhere."

The roadshow is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Sandpoint High School. 

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.