Guest Columnist: Workforce-ready skills must be fostered while students are in high school
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 116,000 students in Ohio graduated from high school in 2022. That's a sizeable population of educated individuals making important decisions about their futures.
While many attend college, on average, about 30% do not enroll in higher education, which makes work experience and training vital to student success after high school. Fortunately, Franklin County and surrounding counties have a motivated business community and the support of organizations like the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio to foster workforce-ready skills before graduation.
So, what do "workforce-ready skills" look like in 2023? Employers seek young adults who understand the value of teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, and critical thinking. While Ohio's academic standards naturally build some of these skills, the business community needs to provide high school students with work experiences and internships, and for school districts to offer students the ability to earn sought-after certifications while in high school. The combined effort allows the business community to grow talent and students to succeed immediately upon graduation.
Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code section 3313.82) already requires every school district and ESC to have a business advisory council that fosters cooperation among schools, businesses, and their communities. It's designed to make local education systems more aware of the local labor market, promote work-based experiences within businesses, and help students prepare for successful learning and employment opportunities. For example, the ESC of Central Ohio's Business Advisory Council supports 27 regional school districts. Together, they play a pivotal role in ensuring that career pathways discussed in high school align with the needs of the labor market. In turn, business leaders share news about job trends and opportunities and influence district curriculum to create applicable opportunities for students.
Many Central Ohio companies have leaned into this work through the ESC Business Advisory Council, allowing them to access a diverse and innovative labor pool. In addition, work-based learning programs can help cultivate diversity in the talent pipeline by providing the structure, support, and training that people of many backgrounds need to succeed.
One example of industry taking the lead is the Performance Columbus automotive maintenance pre-apprenticeship program for high school students that allows them to earn credit toward graduation while getting real-world learning experience to start their career in the automotive business. Enrollment is open to juniors and seniors, and training occurs at the company's maintenance center on Morse Road. In its second year, the program offers hands-on and debt-free learning with master tech instructors who teach in-demand skills that can lead to six-figure earning potential.
The ability for businesses to work with school districts isn't exclusive to large corporations, either. Small business leaders should also get involved by proactively contacting business advisory councils or trade associations like NFIB and the Ohio Manufacturers Association. The ESC of Central Ohio has several small businesses offering guest speakers, business tours, job shadowing, internships, and pre-apprenticeship programs. The council supports small businesses with limited capacity by facilitating connections, coordinating experiences, and troubleshooting if needed. District leaders are interested in developing valuable business partnerships with leaders vested in their students' and teachers' education, development, and growth.
It is also crucial for parents and families to be aware of the multiple pathways that students can take to employment in high-demand jobs in central Ohio. In particular, it is essential to communicate that high-quality pathways and work experiences do not pose a choice between preparing for post-secondary education or a career. Rather, pathways represent a "both/and" proposition that enables students to acquire skills and credentials valued in the labor market that leads to employment directly after high school while, if they wish, simultaneously working towards a post-secondary degree.
That is why the ESC of Central Ohio Business Advisory Council believes we must understand what students and families know and believe about education to workforce pathways—as well as what specific kinds of information they value and where they get that information. In addition, high-quality pathways that expand student opportunities cannot be established without informing, engaging, and empowering the people these policies and programs serve. As a result, business advisory councils have held events and created resources and social media campaigns to inform families and students better.
The path to employment in 2023 and beyond is paved with opportunities that school districts and business leaders should identify and support collectively. Business Advisory Councils already provide the necessary structure to grow and develop unique learning opportunities for students who go on to college or seek employment immediately after graduation; however, business leaders who take a vested interest in students in their community will reap the benefits today and for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Guest columnist: Workforce-ready skills must be fostered in high school
