Employers across the state are struggling to fill open positions. High schoolers are striving to figure out their futures before they graduate. Parents are concerned about college costs, their children’s career opportunities and their children’s success. And most teachers are not sure how to make the connection between employers and students.
With about a third of high school graduates not immediately going on to college after high school and more than 60% of jobs needing only a high school diploma to start, there is a lot of opportunity to strengthen school and employer connections.
I recently had the opportunity to work with Leading CareerForce partners Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) and Career Solutions in developing a pilot program that is a youth-focused career exploration discussion with employers and community organizations that highlights career pathways, along with training and scholarships for those wanting to work while they pursue a career in a specific industry.
Our team reached out to school districts’ career exploration counselors and teachers to discuss the benefits of assisting students to make connections with employers and learn more about the opportunities that are available to students in their own community.
Employers were also contacted about the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with local schools, career counselors, and youth who want more information – or are undecided on their career path.
In January we held the first round of Youth Career Connections events in central Minnesota, to coincide with Health Care Month. Zoom meetings were set up between schools, employers and community organizations. The employer panel discussion focused on: careers in health care beyond those for nurses and doctors; training, scholarships, and education reimbursements that are available to workers in this career field and current pandemic safety measures to protect health care workers. Community organizations were also given the opportunity to discuss their youth and young adult programs that help students achieve success through resume writing classes, job shadowing, occupational skills training and apprenticeship programs.
Three separate events throughout central Minnesota were part of the pilot program. Students from Sauk Rapids-Rice, East Central, Litchfield, Hutchinson, and Willmar High Schools participated. Students in career exploration and health care classes engaged in discussions with local employers about the entry level job/career opportunities available to youth, as well as career pathways for future growth. Students were able to ask questions and build relations directly with employers.
Response has been incredibly positive from teachers, students, and employers. One of the employers, The Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids, has already had students reach out to them about their career pathways and current job opportunities.
CMJTS asked students to complete a survey, which showed the events were a success at raising awareness among young people who participated. Here are some of the comments collected from students who participated in Youth Career Connections:
“Overall, I thought that the information they provided helped strengthen my reason for wanting to go into that particular field.” A.D.
"While listening to the presentation, one of the jobs that spiked my interest was being able to be in counseling while still in the health field. To be honest, I wasn’t completely aware of the fact that you could be in a category, such as counseling, and still be a part of the health field. I would definitely consider going into something like this. In my future, I can see myself being a helping hand for people to reach for. Altogether, it really helped to hear the different options that are available." – T.S.
"The thing that stood out to me the most was definitely how many different jobs were offered in just the healthcare area. I never know about the business side of healthcare… I never really thought about healthcare in a legal sense, thinking the only jobs offered were ones that strictly pertained to health. It was interesting to receive some info on that subject."- A.G.
Local workforce development partners and workforce strategy consultants are following up with the teachers and employers to ensure relationships are built. The hope is that schools and employers will eventually work directly with one another on future presentations, tours and job recruitment in an ongoing way.
Youth Career Connections are a great example of how workforce development professionals, teachers, and school counselors and employers can all work together to help students explore options and find the right career path for them – while ensuring employers are building connections to the future workforce they need to grow and thrive in Minnesota. It’s hoped that the success of the pilot in central Minnesota will provide a template for similar engagement in other parts of the state.
To learn more about Youth Career Connections, you can reach out to your local Workforce Strategy Consultant.
