A day of maintenance and facilities exploration
On Feb. 10, Dallas ISD Maintenance and Facilities Services spent the day connecting with students at a district middle school career fair, an event where students from 25 middle schools explored career pathways through interactive displays designed to spark their curiosity.
Among the 85 stations that filled the event were representatives from the district’s maintenance and facilities, who prepared two interactive exhibits introducing students to the profitable careers of plumbing and electrical work.
Maintenance professionals play a vital role in the day-to-day function of our schools and communities. They work behind the scenes to ensure buildings remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning. Their dedication is recognized annually on March 4 during Maintenance Appreciation Day.
Joshua Fisher represented the plumbing department with a hands-on demonstration replicating a sewer system. He built an artificial ground display using wood and turf, placing plumbing beneath the surface and creating a blockage with a familiar character for students—Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants.
He began by asking students, “Who used plumbing today?” prompting them to consider how often they rely on plumbing in their daily lives.
Using his sewer inspection equipment, Fisher guided students through identifying and locating the makeshift blockage. With a camera inserted into the pipe, students located the issue and learned the steps needed to repair it.
“It was a rewarding experience to share with young men and women the importance of plumbing in their everyday lives and how it can be a solid option moving forward when searching for a career,” Fisher said.
Jaylon Lakes, representing electricians, also had an interactive demonstration highlighting the work of his trade.
“I was able to touch on many topics about the trade I enjoy doing daily,” Lakes said. “I see the brightness of the future for students when they are exposed to these trades, and when they begin to learn the background of what we do here for the schools.”
Using a display board equipped with wires, outlets, switches, speakers and lighting, Lakes gave students a hands-on look at the tools and materials electricians use daily. He also shared insights on the knowledge and training required to enter the profession, sparking interest with facts about historical pioneers in electricity.
Operations Manager Blanca Sanchez helped coordinate the team’s exhibits, ensuring they had ample space and support to engage students throughout the event.
The mission of Dallas ISD Maintenance and Facilities Services is to support learning by maintaining safe and efficient physical environments that promote student achievement. The department delivers industry-quality craftsmanship in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and multi-skilled trades.
“We have a great team,” said Miriam Gaytan, director of Operations. “Jaylon and Josh are standouts in their fields and their day-to-day jobs. They have a natural gift of working with young learners, so this event was a really great opportunity for us to reach out to middle school students to learn about fields that are in high need, and jobs that will always be there.”
