Teacher and Student Preparedness is an essential component of effective school-to-careers programs. Preparing students to make the transition from school to the workplace is a challenge for educators and businesses, because teachers and students may not know what is expected of them.

School-to-careers programs, such as Student Nonpaid Internships, Cooperative Education and Student Shadow experiences can introduce students to the workplace and expose them to a wide range of industries and careers. Registered Apprenticeships are a viable alternative to a college degree, and allow students to obtain nationally-recognized credentials in a variety of occupations. Teacher Shadow programs provide valuable continuing education opportunities for educators by allowing them to spend time with industry professionals, updating their knowledge and observing the practical applications of academic theory.

Finding their first job can be an intimidating experience for new graduates. Success in today's workplace requires careful preparation by both teachers and students. Academic performance and job skills are a good start, but students also need professionalism, interpersonal skills and the confidence to deal effectively with supervisors, coworkers and customers.

School-to-careers programs can give students a valuable edge in today's competitive job market by helping them to gain experience, refine their skills and build confidence in their abilities. Effective programs require extensive preparation by schools and teachers, as well as a meaningful, ongoing dialogue with business and industry.

 

Employers often comment that they can always teach the employee to do the job, but that prospective employees often lack the basic skills and characteristics that all employers value in their workers. Employers find these characteristics essential for an employee's success:

Communication skills - the ability to express themselves orally and in writing, and to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.

Social and interpersonal skills - the ability to interact effectively with customers, the ability to work within a team, a positive attitude, good manners, confidence, professionalism and a neat appearance.

Character - a solid work ethic, maturity, responsibility and honesty.

Problem-solving skills - the ability to think through a problem to a solution, good math skills.

Computer skills - the ability to use basic computer programs that are widely used in the workplace, such as Windows, Lotus and WordPerfect.

Most employers don't expect new graduates and entry-level employees to know everything about the job they will be performing. Tasks can be taught on-the-job, but the skills that employers value can be taught and reinforced at an early age.

This guide is designed to help educators use school-to-careers programs effectively, and prepare their students for the transition from the classroom to the workplace.

 

Good communication between the business contact person and the school liaison is essential. Mutual understanding of the goals of the program and careful planning of logistics and details will help to ensure a positive experience for students, teachers and businesses. School liaisons should find out as much information as possible about a business before they send students or teachers:

• Determine the needs of the business and help them to decide whether a Teacher Shadow, Student Shadow, Student Nonpaid Internship, Cooperative Education or Registered Apprenticeship program will best suit their needs.
• Determine how many students (and their age/educational level), or teachers the business wishes to accommodate.
• Determine the acceptable behavior at the business site. It is important to go over such things as good manners and appropriate questions, especially with younger students. They should understand that questions like, "How much money do you make?" are not appropriate. An appropriate question might be, "What salary can an entry-level employee expect in this occupation?".
• Determine what the appropriate attire for the business site is, and make sure that students and teachers understand this. It's not enough to tell students to "dress up" for a situation that requires business attire, because a student may think that a party dress is "dressing up". Make sure that you thoroughly explain what the dress requirements are in each situation.
• Some businesses may have safety restrictions on the type of clothing, jewelry or hairstyles allowed. For example, students and teachers should always wear closed shoes to any work site. Be sure to ask about such restrictions and inform students and teachers.
• Some businesses may require special equipment, such as safety glasses, back belts, hair nets or steel-toed boots. Discuss this with your business contact and determine whether the business or the school will provide special equipment.
• Make sure that the students and teachers you send have an interest in the company or industry they are visiting.
• Make arrangements for transportation and find out about any special items businesses may require, such as parking decals, etc.
• Make sure that liability issues are covered. Furnish copies of school or district liability coverage to the business, and make sure that the business is comfortable with the arrangements. Different situations may require different solutions.
• Be sure that you have the appropriate parental permission forms signed and on file for participating students. Furnish a copy of these forms and any emergency phone numbers or instructions to the business.
• Discuss the details of the program, such as who will provide lunch. A written agenda should benefit both parties.
• Arrange for a substitute teacher for participating teachers.
• Get the green light from your administration.
• Determine the exact dates, times and lengths of the programs. It's a good idea to confirm this in writing with the business. Businesses may have made extensive preparations for the program. Make sure that students and teachers arrive on time.

Always give the business a person to contact before, during and after the program. Situations or problems may arise that weren't anticipated. Keep in close contact with the business, even if the program lasts only one day or a few hours.

Your careful planning and attention to detail should make your program a good experience for everyone involved. When the program is finished, call the business for valuable feedback. You may even want to develop an evaluation form to help you refine your programs.

Thank the employer in writing for participating. Keep in contact with the business, as they may be interested in participating in additional programs. Your new business partner will be a valuable asset that will benefit your students for many years.