Wilson County Schools, in collaboration with the Wilson Education Partnership and Workforce Development Committee for Wilson County, are coordinating a new initiative to enhance the Career Technical Education curriculum for middle school students.

It has long been recognized that students are not fully aware of the jobs and careers that await them upon graduation nor do they understand the necessary skills and competencies to fulfill those jobs.  Through WCS, WEP and WFD, business leaders and educators are working to find ways to better prepare our students for the jobs available to them, thereby improving the quality of the workforce and increasing the strength of our local economy.

Businesses are invited help local students prepare for their future success by participating in the Career Exploration Collaboration in the following ways:

• Present assembly programs to an entire 6th or 7th grade student group about employment opportunities and requirements, utilizing multimedia and hands-on formats. Schools will provide information to assist in planning a presentation that is age/grade appropriate, engages students, aligns with the CTE curriculum and integrates content with Wilson County high schools academy areas.

• Host tours of work sites for large or small groups of 8th grade students.  Students should learn about the nature of the specific business and be able to view processes and people at work on the job.

• Participate in a Business/Industry Speakers Bureau.  Identify employees who can visit classrooms and speak to small groups of students about jobs, specific industry/area of expertise, workforce expectations and preparation, “soft skills” & academic skills, real world relevancy to school subjects, etc.

For additional information, call the Wilson Education Partnership at 399-7726