It's hard to believe it's already August and most schools will be starting in just a couple of weeks. Students are not only preparing to head back to class, many are continuing their summer work experience into the fall. 

There are a variety of students across Sangamon County interested in working part of the school day. This experience, often called work-based or work-place learning, provides students to opportunity to build and practice critical employability skills while also exposing them to a potential career field. Some students have positions with a businesses that helps them explore their future interests but many are working in jobs that aren't necessarily part of their future plans. These jobs do provide the opportunity to build early career skills but many schools shared that students are really looking for positions where they can explore their interests. 

That's where our businesses can help. If you've got a part-time position, or could create one, that would give a student with minimal work experience the opportunity to learn more about your industry and understand the nature of work, I'd love to hear from you. This can also look like an internship or apprenticeship though there are a few more requirements for learning experiences for these types of roles. 

As technology continues to shift the way the world works, we're seeing a consolidation of entry level positions across industries. Without these roles, it becomes a challenge to get people exposure and opportunity to build a foundation for a career. Early work-based learning experiences helps put our local students on the right path for future employment.