Council hears Be Pro Be Proud pitch; members ask state to study feasibility and costs

Andrew Parker, a representative of Be Pro Be Proud, presented a model of mobile career workshops — tractor‑trailer units outfitted with hands‑on simulators and outreach tools — that his organization uses to introduce middle and high‑school students to skilled trades.

Parker said the initiative aims to change perceptions of technical and trade careers and to drive apprenticeship and post‑secondary enrollment. He described national outcomes including waiting lists and reported enrollment bumps at community colleges in states using the model. At high level he cited a capital budget range of around $1.6 million per workshop (if a state purchased all equipment outright) and estimated annual operating costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Council members probed affordability and logistics for Wyoming: Dr. Aldrich and others flagged weather, scheduling across 48 school districts and high fabrication/operation costs. Dr. Aldrich said prior local evaluations showed a capital price tag in the seven figures, and she suggested any Wyoming effort would likely require regional or multi‑state sponsorship.

Members also asked about student data privacy; Andrew said the initiative uses industry standard protections, non‑disclosure agreements for partners and has legal review for compliance with student‑privacy laws.

Outcome: the chair asked staff to scope a feasibility study and return with cost breakdowns, partnership options and a recommended path for piloting or regional participation. A multi‑stakeholder approach (education, industry, DWS, Business Council) was identified as necessary.