Skyler Auzenne Senior, Redmond High School
Partnership for Student Success

Employers will tell you many high school students don't understand what it takes to succeed in work or why education matters. And how could they, if no one ever showed them the real world of work or what it takes to be successful. Fortunately, the Redmond School District understands how important this link with employers is and has developed the Redmond Job Shadow, part of our Partnership for Student Success program.

The aim is provide high school students opportunities to see education as relevant by offering career/job-related experiences. "We've got great kids," said Diane Dunbar, the district school to work coordinator and facilitator of the job shadow program. "But they need exposure to real world jobs to understand why their education matters."

Skyler Auzenne, a senior at Redmond High School, was interested in exploring a career in welding but didn't know where to begin. "I didn't know how to even talk to employers," said Skyler. "I needed some help."

Skyler got some help through the District and E3 partnership. In addition, the school's Career Class encourages students to participate in at least one of the job shadows to experience what an occupation looks like, gain awareness of the academic, technical and personal skills required, spend one-on-one time with an employer and have an opportunity to ask questions and make connections not available in the classroom.

Students are also required to create resumes and cover letters for prospective job positions. They then contact an identified employer (pre-arranged through the school to work coordinator) and schedule a time and place for an "interview." At the end of the interview, the student shadows the employer for the remainder of the time. Diane helped arrange a job shadow for Skyler at Marks Auto Body in Redmond where he was able to watch professionals welding and working on cars. His shadow turned into a mentorship that allowed him to spend 35 hours learning more about the auto body business. "It was really cool," said Skyler. "It was a great experience. It really built up my confidence."

In its first year, 187 students took part in job shadows with over 100 local employers. Some students discovered the career path they were interested in following was exactly what they wanted, while others found that their choice may not be a good fit. For those who did not have defined paths, it provided them with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be successful when applying and interviewing for job positions. Most importantly, students were able to correlate the education they were receiving in school to the outside world.

"The kids were so excited to begin their job shadows." said Dunbar. "They were lined up waiting to give me their requests for businesses they were interested in - it was great to see such enthusiasm." Students and employers were equally excited at the end of the job shadows too as over 100% of employers and 99% of students recommended the program continue.

One final note: Skyler Auzenne graduates this June from Redmond High School and has been offered a full-time job with Triangle T Welding, a local heavy equipment supplier. "I start right after school gets out," said Skyler with a big smile. "I can't wait." The Redmond Partnership for Student Success is an excellent example of how local employers can provide their unique resources and skills to help bring real world relevance to students and help them see how their education will make a difference in their future.