Students toured Steeda Industries in Valdosta GA. Upon arrival students were greeted by the Marketing Manager at Steeda. He explained operations at Steeda, and why they exist. He shared that he started in an entry level position 20 plus years ago and that he worked hard to climb the ladder of positions at Steeda. He explained that if you want to succeed you can’t look for instant success but should plan to work hard to reach your goals. Students were taken on a tour of the operations, where they saw every part being made to make the Mustang a super-fast vehicle. Students could assist in spray coating one of the parts, and finally a teacher rode in one of the Mustangs. Students asked questions about employment while in high school and were provided info on Steeda’s student work-study program.
Portal HS participated in a tour of the Bulloch Co Fire Dept and Statesboro EMS. Students learned about careers in both emergency response in their local area. Upon arrival at the fire dept students were introduced to the various career positions within the fire dept., which ranged from fire fighters to inspectors, to administrative personnel and the Chief of the Station. Students learned about each position, their roles, and experience, qualifications, and education required to work in each position. The staff shared info about both full and part-time positions and pay and benefits. They encouraged students to apply while in college at GSU, as several students only work the weekend shift as fire fighters and earn pay while in college, and also having the opportunity to read and study as long as the stationed isn’t called out for an emergency.
After leaving the fire station, students walked next door for a tour of the Emergency Medical Services station. Staff explained the difference in their positions, and how to start as an EMT and work your way up to a Paramedic. They shared the education and experience necessary for both positions, as well as pay. Students had an opportunity to sit in the back of an ambulance and see how EMTs operate when they have a patient. Students were also encouraged by the staff to go to the local technical school to have an opportunity to hear, firsthand, about the educational requirements to become an EMT. Students from Quitman County High School participated in 2 tours. The first one was the Tyson plant located in Eufaula. The plant manager, Shawn Goodson met with the students. We went to the conference room where we saw a presentation about statistics for Tyson and their expectations for employees. One statistic he gave was that Tyson produces enough nuggets for 8 million kids’ meals per day.Mr. Goodson told the students how he started his career right out of High School working on the line and worked his way up. He stated that Tyson rewards someone who does their job well and is always trying to improve. We went into the plant where students observed how chicken nuggets are made. It was very clean and cold. The workers wore long white coats and all hair was covered.
Students then went to Wallace Community College. Students were greeted by Ms. Mary Wiggins, Recruiter. We toured the various administrative offices of the campus as well as academic and technical programs. We saw the Criminal Justice program, Welding, Cosmetology and HVAC. The students learned that they could receive a certificate in 6 months, certification in 1 year or an Associates degree in 2 years. We also learned that any associates degree would transfer to any 4 year college. Screven County High School High Tech (HSHT) students celebrated their first HSHT Club day by participating in the Annual Kickoff event. The students were welcomed to the event by the HSHT Coordinator, Theodosha Foreman. During the welcome, the students were given a brief description of HSHT (purpose, focus, priorities, computer competition).
LaTasha Hawkins, Career Development Specialist from Work Source GA, spoke to the seniors directly about what they can offer them as they move towards graduation: soft skills/work skills training, work experience/paid apprenticeship, assistance with finding a job, assistance with college applications & cost (tuition, books, supplies). She provided very useful information. Mae Bacon, VR Counselor from the Statesboro office, spoke to the students about the services the VR office can offer them during high school and after graduation. She encouraged the students to complete the application process as soon as possible. All of the information the students received was very beneficial. |
AuthorThe Georgia High School High Tech Program is a comprehensive community-based program providing youth with disabilities a link to academic and career-development experiences that enable them to successfully meet the workforce demands of the 21st century. Archives
March 2023
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