The Fairport-Perinton Chamber has named Fairport High School Career Exploration Center its Business of the Month for October 2019! Sandy Hoodak, coordinator of the work-based learning program, will receive this honor at the Chamber’s quarterly luncheon in October.
The work-based learning programs allow students to gain workplace skills (internships), explore career areas, and earn high school credit (work study program). Students are supported through the Career Prep seminar class. In this class, students take an in depth look at their career choices and learn how to obtain them and develop resumes to a professional level for college internships or the workplace. They also establish their LinkedIn account as high school is when they have their largest friend base and learn what is meant by their “personal brand” and how to develop a “brand” that is focused, consistent, and genuine. Annually there are over 100 students who participate in these programs.
Additionally, over the course of the year, field trips are offered in a variety of career areas. Some of these career exploration conferences include Careers in Construction, College Accounting and You, The World of Accounting, Careers in Education, Lift and Move Careers, Introduce a Girl to Engineering, RIT Entrepreneurship Conference, and Manufacturing day. These teen-focused programs provide valuable insight into the various career areas.
Job shadow experiences are another exploration opportunity that allow students to spend part of a day with a professional in the student’s career area of interest. The job shadows have been in many career areas such as medical illustrator, dermatologist, teacher, event planner, massage therapist and many more!
“Building and maintaining strong school and business partnerships is an integral part of our successful work based learning opportunities,” said Hoodak. “Through the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) Pipeline Committee, we share with students the vast amount of career opportunities that are available through our local manufacturers. Members of the Fairport-Perinton Chamber of Commerce are great supporters of our students and answer our calls to support a teen who is eager to learn more about a career!”
“We are so thankful to have Sandy and the FHS Work Base Learning Program honored by the Fairport-Perinton Chamber of Commerce,” said Fairport High School Principal Bob Clark. “This acknowledgement demonstrates the extraordinary effort Sandy puts forth to build partnerships in and around our community. Our students of course are the primary beneficiaries of her tireless effort and support. We are very proud of the program she has built over many years and appreciate her dedication and commitment to students.”
