The Maury County Public Schools’ Career, College, and Technical Education Department collaborates with local businesses to provide Work-Based Learning opportunities for their Career and Technical Education students. Through these opportunities students get real world experience and training in their CTE programs of study.
Lee Company has been working in partnership with the construction classes at Mt. Pleasant High School. According to construction instructor, Scott Anders, the collaboration has proven to be a positive experience. Three 2023 graduates are now full-time employees with Lee Company, after having been exposed to the work of the company and the skills needed for employment while enrolled in the construction program of study while in high school. Jennifer Hubmann, Careers Marketing Manager states, “Lee Company is honored to partner with Maury County Schools, which has been a tremendous avenue for supporting local talent and education. We’ve had the privilege of working closely with dedicated students from Mt. Pleasant High School, both last year and this year, and it’s clear that the future is bright for these young individuals. Together with Maury County Schools, we’re committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals.”
Maury Regional Medical Center is also partnering with our CTE department. Twelve health science students from MCPS participated in a Work-Based Leaning, job shadowing experience last spring. They had the opportunity to job shadow a department in the hospital one day each week for two hours during the second semester. This was a valuable experience for the students. As the culmination of this capstone experience, the participants shared their experiences through presentations with hospital personnel, health science teachers, and parents. This year, the WBL job shadowing experience will have 12 students representing Columbia Central, Hampshire, Santa Fe, and Spring Hill High Schools.
Another Work-Based Learning assignment for which we are excited for the 2023-2024 school year involves a student intern with Maury County Public Schools. Gia Sharp, a senior at Columbia Central High School, is doing a WBL placement with Mr. Jack Cobb, Communications Director for MCPS. As one of her assignments in this role, Gia had the opportunity to interview Kit Hartsfield, Mount Pleasant High School’s football coach, on location at the school. Gia said, “This internship has given me connections and experience in more ways than one”.
These three spotlighted Work-Based Learning partnerships are just a few of the many exciting opportunities for the students of Maury County Public Schools. If you are interested in offering Work-Based Learning opportunities for the students of Maury County Schools, please reach out to Terri Thornton, MCPS Workforce Development/Career Coach. Her email is tthornton@mauryk12.org.
