Workforce Development
Connecting talent with opportunity
Like many communities, Grant County is facing a skills gap challenge—employers are struggling to find workers with the right training, as well as looking for better ways to connect our young people with local career opportunities. To help bridge that gap, Greater Grant County collaborated with local funders to develop a position within the Chamber specifically designed to focus on workforce development initiatives in our community.
We believe that students and employers benefit deeply when students are provided with the ability to experience career opportunities available to them within their own community. Work-based learning experiences provide students with the chance to visualize a career path for themselves at a local business and employers can begin building a pipeline of local talent to meet their employment needs. As part of our workforce development initiative, the Chamber is working with educators, employers, and community members to ensure students have the opportunity to explore career pathways that interest them and gain valuable work experience.
Developing meaningful work-based learning for students requires employers and educators to work collaboratively and think creatively so that students are provided with exposure to a variety of industries and occupations that may interest them. We are committed to providing tools, resources, connections, and partnerships that are essential to designing work-based learning experiences that engage students, support businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for growth...And we need your help!
Work-based learning experiences for high school
Employers visit the school to speak to students about their career field.
Employer Expectations
- Prepare information to share that is engaging and relevant for interested students
- Provide feedback upon request
School Expectations
- Prepare students academically, socially, and professionally for the guest speaking engagement
- Support the guest speaker by aiding in classroom management
Students visit a business to explore its inner-workings and gain context to the information they've already received about it.
Employer Expectations
- Set clear behavioral and dress expectations for attending students
- Provide an environment for students to gain a realistic view of the facility and what it would be like to work there
School Expectations
- Transport and supervise students at business location
- Prepare students in advance for the site visit, including communicating the expectations for attendance
A student joins the employer for a typical workday, allowing them to observe the daily activities of their host and ask questions about their career.
Employer Expectations
- Develop a plan for the student which could include performing small tasks if appropriate
- Set clear expectations regarding student behavior, dress, and other essential details
School Expectations
- Prepare students in advance, including communication of expectations set forth by employer host
- Provide transporation to and from the job shadowing experience if it occurs during school hours
Sustained interactions between students and professionals in a workplace setting allowing for experiences with tasks in a given career field. Students perform work at a business, allowing them to gain valuable work experience.
Employer Expectations
- Provide an opportunity for a paid or non-paid experience by hosting a student, more than once, on the job site
- Agree to and implement a training plan for intern responsibilities
School Expectations
- Development and review of training plan agreed upon by the employer
- Prepare students in advance for the internship, including communication of expectations
The big picture
Broadly, the job of the Director of Workforce Development is to champion Grant County's success through the development of strategic partnerships and networks connecting education, industry, and community resources.
Initially, this work will focus on fostering meaningful connections between schools and employers, facilitating internship and job shadowing opportunities, and guiding students towards fulfilling career pathways. With an intention to toward remaining agile and responsive, the scope of work will expand in conjunction with community needs.
Interested in learning more?
Connect with Shelby Schuh, Director of Workforce Development, by email at shelby@gogreatergrant.org or simply fill out the form below.