Career Cabs Rolls into Chadron
9 Sep 2025
September 24 event connects students with real-world opportunities
Career Connections of Western Nebraska is again bringing its innovative Career Cabs program to Chadron, offering high school sophomores a unique chance to explore hands-on career experiences in a local environment.
On Tuesday, September 24, nearly 300 sophomores from across a 100-mile radius of Chadron will participate in this day-long immersive event. Hosted by the northern tier of Career Connections, this is one of three Career Cabs events scheduled across the region this fall and marks the second year Chadron has served as a host community.
"This event is about exposure and inspiration," said Deb Cottier, Executive Director of Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation. “We're helping students see real possibilities for their futures right here in Northwestern Nebraska.”
Career paths
Students will begin their journey by selecting one of five in-demand career pathways: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Sciences, and Trades.
After selecting their focus, students will board “career cabs” and travel to three local employers in their chosen pathway. There, they’ll get an up-close look at daily operations, meet professionals working in the field, and gain firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed in those careers.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
CSC Rangeland Complex
- Introduction to range and land management careers
Local Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Regina Rankin)
- Behind-the-scenes tour of animal care and veterinary operations
US Forest Service & Upper White NRD
- Tree planting demo on C Hill and tour of NRD’s tree cooler facility
Criminal Justice
Chadron Fire Hall Training Center
- Equipment demos and simulations from Chadron PD, NSP, Game & Parks, and more
Nebraska State Patrol, Dawes County Sheriff, Alliance SRO
- Career overviews and job shadow-style interactions
Trial Attorney Randy Cullers & CSC Legal Faculty
- Discussion on legal careers, courtroom roles, and education paths
Education, Training & Childcare
CSC Child Development Center
- Early childhood education with lead teachers and staff
Educators Panel (CSC Faculty & Local School Leaders)
- Insights from principals, teachers, and professors
Head Start Program (NCAP)
- Overview of support services and teaching roles in early education
Health Sciences
Chadron Community Hospital
- Airway placement, ambulance transport & lab analysis rotations
Airlink Helicopter Team
- Meet the crew, explore the helicopter and emergency medical response
Chadron Hospital: Physical Therapy and/or Radiology
- Career insights and demos in specialized medical services
Trades (Diesel Mechanics, Utilities & Construction)
Fuller Construction
- Live demonstration of construction skills, equipment & safety practices
Butler Ag
- Overview of diesel tech careers and heavy equipment operations
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD)
- Utility demonstrations, robotic controls, and job training paths
Matching talent with careers
In addition to the tours, students will also have the opportunity to build their digital profiles on CareerPathway, a job and talent-matching platform. The site allows young people to showcase their skills, interests, and experience while connecting them with future employers and mentors in industries they’ve explored.
Now in its third year, the Career Cabs program continues to grow in reach and impact, bringing together educators, employers, and communities to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.
For more information about upcoming events or to get involved as an employer, visit CareerPathway, Career Connections of Western Nebraska or Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation.
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