Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) has a robust training continuum for students to prepare themselves to enter careers. Each element of the training series is customized to the age group, and this week High School Juniors from Berkshire and Cardinal school districts gathered at Kent State University at Geauga to prepare resumes and practice interviewing, along with a full day of other related activities during Geauga Growth Partnership’s Career Readiness training for Juniors. Guest Speakers added training and substance to the things that can be put into practice now and into their futures.
Ms. LuAnn Coldwell, Enrollment Management and Student Services for KSU, spoke about the power of using social media practices and how your online presence could impact prospective employment, as well as admission to colleges.
“What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time? What are you passionate about?” Training Consultant Mr. Steve Peter helped students think about how their favorite activities and passions can be translated into skills for a resume.
Students prepared resumes with the help of adult advisors, and then participated in mock interviews. During interviews, students answered common interview questions and were coached and critiqued through the process. Adult advisors also held an open discussion of other important things to know when entering an interview. Students gave high marks for this part of the day.
To wrap the afternoon Geauga Growth Partnership President Tracy Jemison told a local success story of the young inventor and graduate from Hiram College, Mr. Nate Eaton. Mr. Eaton was a 2017 winner of season 2 of “The Toy Box” for his invention of HydroShield, now being manufactured and distributed by Mattel. “The lesson here,” said Mr. Jemison, “is never give up on your dreams!”
Geauga Growth Partnership Youth Workforce training programs consist of four primary elements: “Ignite Your Career” symposium for students in grades 7-12 with parents, 8th Grade Career Awareness events, High School Career Readiness training, customized for grades 10th, 11th, and 12th; and the High School Internship Program.
Parents and teens should mark their calendars now for the second annual “Ignite Your Career: Pathways to Success for Students in Grades 7 – 12 with parents” to be held, Monday, March 5th at Notre Dame Education Center. Ignite Your Career is an evening symposium/job fair that connects students & parents to career pathways presented by guest business professionals. Families then have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a broad spectrum of businesses to talk about careers options. Registration for this free event will be available soon.
All aspects of the Youth Workforce training programs are coordinated by two part time Geauga Growth Partnership employees, with support as needed from other Geauga Growth Partnership staff and many school administrators and business professionals. Geauga Growth Partnership thanks Youth Education Coordinator Nicole Ostrosky and the Internship Program Coordinator Georgia Klemencic who leave no stones unturned to present the highest quality training experiences designed to “prepare tomorrow’s workforce today.” Thank you to Great Lakes Cheese for providing lunches for the students and volunteers.
Geauga Growth Partnership is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization created in 2010, which works to advance the Geauga business community, 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, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
Pictured In Cover Photo: High School Juniors from Berkshire and Cardinal schools attended Geauga Growth Partnership’s Career Readiness Day
