As Donald Wayne McCleod moved among the high school sophomores from Berkshire, Cardinal and Newbury during two GGP Career Readiness workshops, and greeting students with handshakes and stories, these teenagers were locked in very quickly to Mr. McCleod’s message on Perceptionology®. If students were not engaged in the first few minutes they soon would be, as the guest speaker moved about the room and pulled no punches with teenagers about how all of our behaviors (teens and adults) are perceived by others.
Do you stand to greet and shake hands when you meet someone new? How do you make sure you remember a name? Do you engage in meaningful and memorable conversation with that acquaintance?
These are just a few lessons learned by the students, which is why Geauga Growth Partnership has found that the message of Donald Wayne McCleod delivers is the right fit for high school sophomores.
These lessons are a perfect introduction to Career Readiness training, and to practicing soft skills like professionalism, listening skills, communication and more.
Geauga Growth Partnership Youth Workforce Development Program began conservatively in 2012 with nine students who participated in the first High School Summer internship program, and has since expanded to include a full continuum of training opportunities for Geauga County middle school and high school students. In 2016 alone, GGP held sessions for 1,200 students.
The goals of the Youth Workforce Development program are to “prepare tomorrow’s workforce today,” by 1) training Geauga County students in interpersonal skills and career readiness, and 2) sustaining Geauga County businesses by connecting students with local business and making them aware of job opportunities available locally.
The GGP Youth Workforce Development Program consists of 8th grade Career Awareness events, where students tour businesses and learn about career opportunities in their area. Career Readiness Training offered to Geauga sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school, and provides cumulative training in soft skills, resume writing, interview practice, educational options and more. High School juniors and seniors also have the option to apply to be part of the High School Summer Internship Program, which provides paid summer internships, along with additional workforce training. New in 2017, GGP held the first “Ignite Your Career” event, which was open to students in grades 7th – 12th and their parents to meet and interact with a host of area businesses about career opportunities.
“These programs are a win-win- win!” says GGP President Tracy Jemison. “They are a win for Geauga students, who are gaining amazing skills I wish had been available when my kids were in school. They are a win for Geauga businesses, which have ample opportunities to introduce themselves to (and in some cases, help train) their future workforce. They are a win for Geauga County economic development, as many of these students will build careers and/or start their own businesses right in the county where they grew up.”
If you are interested in knowing more about, or providing support for GGP’s Youth Workforce Development Programs, please contact the GGP office. Funds that are raised through GGP’s annual HomeGrown Geauga event, youth event sponsorships and other donations are used to sustain the Youth Workforce programs.
Geauga Growth Partnership is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization created in 2010, which works to retain and grow jobs, contribute to business growth and strengthen the local economy. Geauga Growth Partnership’s mission is to enhance the business climate, encourage job creation, to strengthen economic prosperity and to improve the quality of life for all Geauga County residents.
For more information visit Geauga Growth Partnership, call 440-564- 1060 or contact info@geaugagrowth.com.
Pictured In Photo: Students from Berkshire, Cardinal and Newbury High Schools attended one of two Geauga Growth Partnership Career Readiness workshops with Donald Wayne McCleod on Perceptionology®.
