With opportunities to earn industry certifications, college credit, internships and job interviews, Garland ISD strives to prepare students for a successful future. Offering approximately 200 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, students gain real-world skills in a variety of fields. From audio/video production to building trades to health sciences, high schoolers develop abilities that help drive success.
Keeping the district’s mission in mind, the CTE Department partnered with the Garland Chamber of Commerce to facilitate an on-the-job experience this fall. More than 30 seniors from Garland, Naaman Forest and North Garland high schools participated in the first-ever Job Shadow Day, gaining workplace insight and inspiration.
“I felt very honored that I was considered to take on such a wonderful opportunity,” said Naaman Forest student Savanah Reyes. “Job Shadow Day was everything I thought it would be. I feel you can do nothing but benefit from this event.”
Reyes spent Job Shadow Day at Garland-based western headwear organization, Milano Hat Company. The aspiring fashion marketer earned her spot by impressing Milano representatives during a required interview. Other participating organizations included the City of Garland, GISD, Garland Police and Fire Departments, Garland Power & Light, Garrett Metal Detectors, Kraft Foods Group and Plastipak Packaging. Interviews, interests and evaluations helped match students with their ultimate shadow site.
The future-ready experience allowed students to learn about local organizations, explore various professions and reflect on career goals.
“We grew in perspective,” Reyes revealed. “Specifically for me, meeting with the designers at Milano pushed me even more to pursue my career in marketing. They were very kind and informative, and I truly appreciate the time they gave me.”
Opportunities like Job Shadow Day would not be possible without the collaboration of local establishments. GISD is always seeking business partners to provide one-on-one mentoring, classroom presentations, internships and on-the-job experience. With the district’s new CTE Center projected to expose students to more lines of work, newfound industry partnerships are a priority.
“The CTE Center will allow students to continue studies in chosen pathways, pursue advanced studies and explore new interests, regardless of their home campus,” said CTE Director Phil Gilbreath. “Possible areas of study include animation, architecture, business, computer maintenance, culinary arts, engineering, graphic communication, firefighting, veterinary medicine, fabrication and machining, logistics and robotics.”
Companies that want to help train, motivate or hire tomorrow’s workforce can contact the CTE Department at 972-487-3170.
Information provided by Garland ISD.