FC Career Tech emphasizes job shadowing
For high school students, senior year marks the ending of an era. A lot of decisions have to be made. According to career coach Lori Hardin, it boils down to three options: seek employment, enroll in a college or university or enroll in the military.
One thing that can help students determine which path they want to take is job shadowing, and that is something Hardin is trying to emphasize in her new role as career coach for Franklin County and Russellville City Schools.
At Franklin County’s Career Technical Education Department, there are eight programs: business marketing, drafting, building technology, cosmetology, health science, welding, industrial maintenance and collision repair.
“I think the job shadowing really helps them decide if that’s what they really want to do or not because some people go through all of the education then get out in the field and realize they hate it,” Hardin said. Her goal as career coach is to help make sure that that doesn’t happen.
Hardin said she wants all students to be successful, and job shadowing helps that happen.
Some seniors have already participated in job shadowing, working in places like the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Generations in Red Bay and elementary schools in the county. Hardin said she is in the process of setting up opportunities at body shops, dentist offices and with game wardens.
“The students are really enjoying it so far and learning a lot,” she said.
Belgreen High School student Joseph Welch recently spent a day job shadowing at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, where he rode around with Officer Ryan Zedrow as he went on calls.
“It’s not what I thought it was going to be, but it was pretty fun. I liked it,” Welch said.
The job shadowing opportunities are only available for seniors, who can either spend a whole day or half of a day, depending on the needs and availability of each participating employer.
To help further prepare students, Hardin also works with them on topics like resumes, FAFSA applications, scholarship applications, manners and the proper attire for interviews and work.
