What It’s About
In the month of February, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD junior and senior high school students were connected with employers to provide a hands-on, half-day job shadow experience.
The City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) local Job Shadow Day started as part of a larger SA Works initiative in 2015, with 25 local students visiting various City of Schertz departments. Over the years, student participation has grown tremendously thanks to the involvement of Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUC ISD).
The annual, district-wide Job Shadow Day helps provide valuable information to students on possible careers and what it takes to be successful in them. During this time students engaged in industry tours, active discussion and hands-on activities. In addition to visiting in-person, students also had the opportunity to participate in virtual tours that allowed them to visit with professionals within the company from the comfort of their classrooms.
“Each year our students and teachers look forward to getting out in the community to learn about careers that are available in our own back yard. Many students come away with new areas of interest and changes in career plans. Our job shadow event would not be successful without companies willing to open their doors to our students and teachers.” said Amy Massey, Career and Technical Education Coordinator for SCUCISD.
Benefits
- Students | ‘I never knew this career/industry existed’ | Students are introduced to potential careers, interests, and future job connections.
- Companies | ‘I never knew this business existed’ | Businesses gain the opportunity to expose students to career opportunities at their company and within their industry.
- School District | ‘Without this event, students wouldn’t have explored this industry’ | Educators can see, firsthand, skills needed within industry and integrate new ideas into curriculums
The event, which requires year-round preparation, was developed in response to the district’s plans to ensure every student is prepared for a career, college, or the military and to address an increasing need for new talent within existing businesses. Student groups range in size from 5 to 40 students and are matched with host businesses based on their industry interests. If participating in person, students are accompanied on the day-of by SCUC ISD staff during their visit. Companies also have the option to host job shadow virtually as well. More than 129 students from Samuel Clemens and Bryon J. Steel High School visited 13 companies.
Participating employers include Caterpillar, FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, Schertz YMCA, Cibolo YMCA, Makos on the Creek, A&A Plumbing, Texas Lawman Security, Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority, and Groesbeck Masonry, Cox Manufacturing, Amazon, and Toyota.
“FedEx Freight was happy to be a part of this great community event and we look forward to participating in the future. Having the opportunity to explain the different job classes to the students was a good way for our employees to add value to their visit. This was the perfect occasion to review all the different ranges and job opportunities FedEx offers, not only here with Freight, but with all the other FedEx Op Co’s,” said Chris Chevalier, Assistant Service Manager at FedEx Freight.
Job Shadow Day benefits are not limited to just the students. Employers are excited to have the opportunity to meet the future workforce and introduce them to the company’s culture, vision, and standards. This begins the employee development process before the student applies or is offered a position.
For more information on how companies can participate in future job shadow events please contact Amy Massey at (210) 945-6086 or Ashley Ritchey at (210) 619-1073.