Job Shadowing Experiences for Oceana Students

Students in the Workplace
Another successful Students in the Workplace series finished up in October.  Participating businesses included Shelby State Bank, Valley City Metals, Pixel Grafix, and Lakeside Rehab.  25 juniors toured the businesses, spoke with employees one on one and learned about career and educational pathways.  Students replied that their favorite parts were “getting to feel the atmosphere before making a commitment to that career” and that they were “able to talk one-on-one with a person specialized in a field I’m very interested in!”  While businesses provided feedback including, “I was impressed by the student’s interest in our company and their interest to enter the workforce.”  Each business expressed an interest in participating in the program next year as well!  Oceana CAN! is looking onward to a Spring session with potential participating businesses including  GHSP, Oceana Medical Care, Peterson Farms, Gray & Company, and Mercy Lakeshore Hospital.

Discover Manufacturing Day 
On October 5th Jim Frank opened the doors of Valley City Metals to community members and students as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage the next generation of manufacturers.  Jim Frank and his employees helped to show two groups for a total of 11 students and a few community members around his shop.  The groups saw the different machines, parts, and positions at his company.  Students toured the machine floor as well as following different members of the front of the house while they conducted their duties such as payroll or the ordering or parts.  Next year Valley City Metals, Michigan Works, and Oceana College Access Network are looking to make manufacturing day a larger event, getting more businesses and schools involved!

Check out event pictures here!