Introduction | For Students | For Educators | For Employers | For Parents
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EMPLOYERS

Have you ever wondered if your business is on the radar of the future workforce? Do you have the visibility you want with upcoming talent? While Job Shadows and Work Site Tours are an excellent educational experience for young people, they are also the chance to be seen by the workforce that will one day staff your firm.

Before. . .

• Check with your company's human resources department to review its policy about Job Shadows and Work Site Tours. Or, help to draft one, addressing workplace standards, the extent of your commitment, and a confidentiality policy regarding minors.
• Contact your local Workforce Investment Board to offer your services as a job shadow host site. Establish a liaison at the Workforce Investment Board who will work with you to confirm details of the visit.
• Plan a varied itinerary for the day that will place students in different environments, and introduce them to a variety of staff members.
• Send a copy of your planned itinerary, as well as a brief history of your company and industry, to the school liaison, who can use it to prep students.

On the Big Day. . .

• For Work Site Tours and Job Shadows the experience should include:
  • A tour of the premises, identifying various departments and jobs, to provide a thorough overview of your company and industry.
  • An opportunity for students to get a hands-on learning experience and feel the satisfaction of making a real contribution to your company's productivity.
  • Pointing out specific skills the employees use, ranging from computer skills to mathematics, communications, organizational skills, or scientific research.
  • Take time to review students' resumes and draw a connection between the classes and activities listed to careers they've seen at your company.
• For Work Site Tours you may include presentations by the leadership, tours, and small group interactive activities.
• For Job Shadows describe your own job in great detail and point out your skills and responsibilities. Offer information about your career path, education, training, and skills you cultivated to get your current position.

After. . .

• Write a short piece about the event for your company's newsletter, or for your community newspaper. Reinforce the theme that the world of work is within reach for every student.
• Communicate with the school liaison to review the events of the day and note elements that had the most impact on students.
• Reinforce your commitment to the school and community by extending the offer to serve as a host site in the future.