Job Shadow
The Job Shadow Pilot
On November 28, 2018, Alignment Rockford launched their Job Shadow Pilot. Industry partners in the Rockford area provided a 4-hour job shadow for East High School Juniors. Within these sites, students had hands-on, real-world experiences in their desired career field. The job shadow is meant to help a student make a connection between school and work and instill career aspirations, which research suggests contribute to a high percentage of students graduating. Job shadows are one component of the robust work-based learning continuum of experiences that the College and Career Academies of Rockford are designed to offer student’s throughout their high school education.
Thank you to all our site hosts who have participated so far!
Educators of Beauty
Rock Valley College
Rockford Park District
Rockford Police Department
Schmeling Construction
Superior Joining Technologies
Collins Aerospace (UTC Aerospace Systems)
Van Matre
YMCA
Rockford Public Schools
C.H. Robinson
City of Rockford – Weatherization Services
Boy Scouts of America Blackhawk Area Council
Fairview Early Childhood Center
Healing Path of Rockford
Oates Dental
Rockford Park District – Therapeutic Recreation and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
Woodward, Inc.
March Student Survey Results
Why Job Shadow?
Effective job shadow programs are one way to provide the link between school and the workplace. A recent Junior Achievement Report connected the following benefits to job shadow experiences:
- 98% of students agreed that doing well in school helps them achieve career goals.
- 90% of students felt the Job Shadow experience made them more aware of career options.
- 88% of students felt that participating in Job Shadow made them realize the importance of staying in school.
Low income students were about 10 times more likely to drop out of high school compared to their peers of higher socioeconomic status. This doesn’t mean that students can’t pass class. Many students with passing grades drop out of school because they are bored or have not made the connection between classroom and career.
Job Shadowing links schools and businesses by providing students with an opportunity to spend time in a real workplace. Spending time at a work site can help change students’ attitudes about school and about their future.
Interested in the behind-the-scenes work of the team? Click the buttons below to view our Job Shadow resources.
Job Shadow Pictures
