WHO is involved?

The Saginaw Career Complex is recognized as a state and national leader in working directly with business and industry to prepare youth for careers in high-demand, high-skill jobs. The programs offered at the Saginaw Career Complex's Averill Career Center and Academy for Technology and Enterprise are based on the needs of the labor market. In addition, each program has an advisory board, made up of business and industry leaders in the community, that works together with the teaching and administrative staff to develop programs and guidelines for the education of today's youth so they may become the innovative leaders of tomorrow.

WHY engage youth in the workplace?

For business and industry, engaging youth in structured, well-organized programs at the workplace is an effective strategy for developing a skilled workforce. Involving youth in the workforce allows employers to:

• Help students begin to develop a career interest in their industries
• Prepare students (their future employees) to meet the skill requirements of their businesses
• Gain access to a pool of interested and motivated students who understand employer expectations
• Reduce the cost of recruiting, selecting and training new employees
• Improve performance levels and attitudes of veteran employees and supervisors who serve as work site mentors for students
• Demonstrate a commitment to the community and its schools

WHAT work-based learning options exist for students and businesses?

Job Shadowing

Key Features
• Students get first hand information about careers
• Students observe and ask relevant questions
• Supplements career planning
• Short duration—minimum of a half day
Benefits to Business and Industry
• Exposes students to a wide range of career options
• Connects career planning with real careers
• Requires minimal preparation and time
Suggested Grade Level Involvement
• Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades

Unpaid Work Experience / Exploratory Experience (E/E)

Key Features
• Students work unpaid at business and industry work sites
• Short duration—one day to three weeks
• Allows students to practice academic and occupational skills
• Students gain valuable work experience
Benefits to Business and Industry
• Provides valuable career and skill training opportunities
• Training helps youth prepare for employment
• Enhances occupational programs at the Saginaw Career Complex
Suggested Grade Level Involvement
• Eleventh and twelfth grades

Paid Work Experience / Approved *Cooperative Education (Co-op)

Key Features
• Combines occupational program learning with structured, paid part-time employment
• Training plan details student and employer roles and responsibilities
• Placement staff monitors training and student progress
Benefits to Business and Industry
• Provides an excellent source of motivated employees
• Best strategy for permanent hiring decisions
• Career focused students do well in school and on the job
Suggested Grade Level Involvement
• Eleventh and twelfth grades and beyond

School-to-Apprenticeship

Key Features
• Program is registered with the U.S. Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training
• Provides structured work-based learning opportunities connected to skills and jobs that are in demand
• Program is designed and operated by private sector
Benefits to Business and Industry
• Provides an excellent source of motivated employees
• Best strategy for permanent hiring decisions
• Training based on industry skill standards
Suggested Grade Level Involvement
• Twelfth grade and beyond

*The Saginaw Career Complex cooperative education programs allow employers to be exempt from state and federal unemployment acts and also allows students to work certain hazardous occupational orders.

WHAT some business partners have to say:

"We partner with the Saginaw Career Complex because we believe in School-to-Work. We are making every effort to build our future workforce. It's in our best interest to have qualified, skilled employees who are trained for the work we do."
- Connie Kostrzewa, Wright-K Technology Inc.

"As employers, we have a say in the kinds of skills that are needed in the workforce. Saginaw needs skilled employees. Let's train our future workforce right here and help build our community."
- John Sangster, UAW, Region 1-D

"Students learn to execute various assignments such as taking patients' vital signs, working directly with patients in rehab, and even observing surgery. It's important to work with students early in their educative years. It exposes students to the vision and mission of our facility."
- Frederick Fraizer, St. Mary's Medical Center

"Working with students from the Saginaw Career Complex provides employers with a competitive advantage. It gives them a golden opportunity to plan and train NOW for a reliable and well-prepared workforce for the future."
- John Nagy, Saginaw Products Corporation