Twenty-two FBLA students recently took a trip to learn about business on site. Kevin Harris, adviser and Bray, HCHS teacher lead a trip to Wakefield Farms and Royston Manufacturing to give students an opportunity to see different areas of the businesses in person. They also got an opportunity to speak with different managers at both businesses.
Dick and Scott set up an outdoor classroom to discuss Wakefield Farms from a business perspective. They talked about work ethic, costs and profit, equity, sales, and types of jobs done at the farm. Students also learned about the history of Wakefield Farms. There were different types of equipment to view as well. Dick also threw in some life lessons for good measure. After the discussion and looking at some equipment, students received a bonus nugget by getting to see and go into a little house on the historic registry. Curtis , a descendent of the first settlers on the farm acreage and builders of the house, met us to discuss the history. He showed us the inside and made it more interesting as he shared information that he had researched. It was a good experience to see a different type of business and understand more about the business side of a farm.
Next, FBLA loaded up and visited Royston Manufacturing. Larry , plant manager, had things set up to help make the most of our time. Students were separated into 3 groups based on their interest and spent time with an expert in each of three fields, human resources, marketing and engineering. Students were able to ask questions and have discussions to learn more about duties in the specific areas as well as find out more about the company, in 6 – 8 person groups. After small groups, students were taken in two groups on a plant tour. It was surprising to see some of the finished products and find out who some of their customers are. We saw raw materials to shaping of the materials to pieces being put together to finished product. Many people don’t know, but they see work done by Royston Manufacturing regularly (Walmart and 7-11 are 2 of the main customers).
It was good to give our students an opportunity to go out to businesses and learn about them in person. This makes for a more lasting and interesting experience. We appreciate Wakefield Farms and Royston Manufacturing taking the time to share with us.
