Ways to Connect
The most effective way to create a vibrant and robust workforce is to engage students at any early age. Providing a range of opportunities for students to learn about career options includes touring facilities, giving classroom presentations and allowing for one on one job shadows. Industry to education partnerships have a proven positive impact on fueling the talent pipeline. Once a student discovers a career that inspires him or her, we find grades/attendance improves and graduation rates soar!
Below you will find an explanation of the most common ways our industry partners can get involved with providing meaningful career development opportunities within the K-12 system. If you can see yourself or your organization in a position to get involved, please visit complete the Stay Connected link in the top right corner to ensure you are aware of all upcoming opportunities.
Virtual-Guest Speaker
Through the power of the Pathful Connect platform, industry partners can connect virtually with educators and students.
Creating a free account is quick and easy. Visit the link above, click sign up for free, complete your profile, and you are up and running. Teachers will contact you directly or you can initiate an industry chat and invite all that are interested.
Guest Speaker
Guest speakers bring a level of expertise and excitement into the classroom that can not be replicated.
Sometimes a teacher can say the same thing three different ways and a student still not connect the dots….but when an outside comes in, light bulb moment.
Industry Tours
Industry tours allow groups of students and teachers to enter your facilities and see the action live. These tours are led by one of your team members and typically gives participants an overview of the industry, what your organization does, and the career opportunities available.
Job Shadow
Job shadows are a wonderful way to connect with students one on one as they experience a day in the life of an industry professional. This is usually a one day experience that is organized through the school on behalf of the student.
Student Interns
Like job shadows, student interns spend time in the field with industry professionals. The difference is that internships are for longer periods of time (typically a semester or a year) and work under a training agreement developed in partnership with the school.
Advisory Committee
As we look to strengthen our 240 career & technical education programs in Macomb County we are always looking for advisory committee members. This is a great way to share your industry expertise with the teachers that are directly instructing students.