As part of an initiative to take an active role in workforce development in our community, BHI is participating in the Future Focused X3 program this spring. The X3 internship program works with local employers to connect with high school students. The students are paired with employers to provide meaningful work experiences to develop the skills and character necessary for their future professions.

Raymond Fuentes will be working in the Structures department mentored by Mandy White and Branden Kaiser will be working in the Construction Engineering group mentored by Olin Brown. During their time here they will be working alongside BHI employees to learn and develop their skills. Both students will be working mornings Monday through Friday for 12 hours per week until early May. At the close of the internship, both intern and mentor complete a final reflection and evaluation to document student growth and frame recommendations for continued professional development.

Ray is interested in civil engineering and will be learning about structural plans, helping with CADD drafting and modeling, and doing research about AR/VR technology for the Structures group. Branden also has an interest in pursuing a career in civil engineering and will be performing construction observation while learning about construction means and methods in the field. He will also spend some time in the Materials Lab learning about materials testing processes and procedures.

Both young men are Seniors at ACE Leadership High School and applied for the X3 internship program to learn about engineering as possible career options. Ray plans to attend CNM in the Fall and Branden plans to attend UNM in Spring of 2021. More information on the X3 program can be found here: https://futurefocusededucation.org/x3/