Workforce Education in the Classroom

In collaboration with private industry partners, Workforce Partnership works to connect students to local jobs in Shelby County to help develop a prepared workforce to fill local in-demand jobs.

Workforce Sponsored Classrooms

The Workforce Partnership of Shelby County has implemented classrooms throughout Shelby County schools. These classrooms are focused on introducing students to local companies and careers. Workforce Partnership has partnerships with all ten public and private county schools through job readiness curriculum and career exploration activities.

Workforce Readiness/Student Pre-Check Survey

Careers in the Classroom

Workforce Speakers

Our partners are focused on creating awareness of local careers through outreach in Shelby County schools. Our partners visit classrooms and educate students on the following: 

  • Career Opportunities
  • Advancement Opportunities (U.S. and Global)
  • Apprenticeships & Post-Graduation Opportunities
  • Health and Wellness Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Interested in having a speaker in your classroom? 

Career Coach

Workforce Partnership and the Shelby County United Way have partnered together to create a new Career Coach program available to high school seniors whose post-graduation plans are to directly enter the workforce. This program will provide students individualized support that focuses on workforce readiness while identifying local jobs that align with their personal goals and skills/aptitudes. This program aims to retain local talent and establish them in a direction that can lead to lifelong success. Kelly Edwards will be serving as the Career Coach for Shelby County Schools. She will be working closely with guidance counselors as well with local Workforce Partnership businesses to assess the current job market and match job openings to the students’ skill set. The Career Coach is a valuable tool available to help students find full-time employment with a living wage and benefits that will help them build a strong foundation for their future success. The United Way contributes $15,000 annually to support this programming. Their investment is to create change in Shelby County's Workforce that will impact further generations. For more information regarding this program please see your guidance counselor.

Sponsored by: Shelby County United Way

Career Exploration Academy

Workforce Partnership's premier event is the Career Exploration Academy, an annual event that focuses on career exploration. The two-day event exposes Shelby County students to local companies and careers and they experience learning real-life career skills. The participating companies combine fun and education through interactive career stations. The Career Exploration is held each fall at the Shelby County Fairgrounds for students in grades 8-12.

Sponsored by: Shelby County United Way

Skilled Trades Ninja Challenge Course

Similar to "American Ninja Warrior", Workforce Partnership of Shelby County’s Skilled Trades Ninja Challenge Course offers students a hands-on interactive experience to skilled trades careers. The course includes 6 complex challenges including drilling, measuring, hammering, electrical and HVAC skills that test a student’s agility in a competitive environment while learning valuable skills for life. 

Sponsored by:  Area Energy & Electric, Ferguson Construction, and Slagle Mechanical, and Upper Valley Career Center.

Ninja Russia 2019

Power Lunch

This Power Lunch event is focused on high school seniors who plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, or who are yet undecided, by connecting them with leading Shelby County employers. In a casual atmosphere, students have the opportunity to interact with multiple employers who match their career interests. Topics such as career opportunities, company culture, benefits and career advice are discussed. The event takes place in the second semester of the school year, allowing ample time for employer connections and recruiting opportunities. The exposure for the event allows for job shadow opportunities and plant tours within the following months with an end goal of an employment opportunity. 

Mobile Career Lab

Creating a buzz wherever it goes, the Mobile Career Lab, a world-famous Airstream trailer with a unique design, is sure to capture attention! The Mobile Career Lab travels to Shelby County schools, local festivals and community activities to promote career awareness. With a fresh redesign, the lab houses cutting edge technology and work stations for STEM learning. Schools can request the lab for any grade level and school/community event.

Workforce Education Partners

Schools

Career Centers

Colleges

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