Pinkerton Academy, having a storied legacy of over 200 years, goes beyond the conventional role of a high school by serving as a gateway to diverse opportunities for its students. The forefront of innovative educational methods is demonstrated through Pinkerton's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, an inspiration among New Hampshire's 28 regional CTE centers. This program offers high school students an alternative yet enriching education, extending beyond traditional classrooms to encompass academic and career-oriented courses, including hands-on experiences like internships, job shadowing, and on-the-job training.
Central to Pinkerton Academy's commitment to student success is its collaboration with industry professionals. The academy actively hosts career fairs, job fairs, and apprenticeship events, establishing real-world connections through partnerships with well-regarded companies like PICA Manufacturing Solutions. PICA, a global company headquartered in Derry, plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and the professional world, with recent emphases on software/hardware engineering and marketing/design.
Interns, essential to the collaboration, contribute significantly to the cooperation between Pinkerton Academy and PICA Manufacturing Solutions. In the software and hardware engineering departments, interns engage hands-on by assisting engineers in testing products, providing valuable insights, and proposing innovative ideas, contributing to the continuous improvement of PICA's technological landscape. Simultaneously, marketing and design interns enhance PICA's digital presence, participating in keyword optimization, social media management, email marketing campaigns, graphic design, and page layout. Their united efforts extend to lead generation, ensuring PICA's products effectively reach a broader audience.
The partnership's impact extends beyond the educational area, with some Pinkerton Academy graduates transitioning into full-time roles at PICA Manufacturing and leveraging their experiences to secure positions elsewhere. This collaborative relationship not only strengthens the educational journey for Pinkerton students but also expands the growth of the Derry community. As opportunities continue to unfold, the continuing bond between Pinkerton Academy and PICA Manufacturing Solutions stands as evidence to the importance of education-industry collaborations.