As with many rural areas, agriculture and trades are a way of life. This statement holds true in our small community. Both adults and young workers alike seek careers locally with specific trade skills in mind. At Union County High School (UCHS) the volume of students enrolling in programs of study to prepare for skilled trades occupations correlates with the high demand for careers in the area and offers some insight to the future workforce of these industries in our region.

As educators continuously strive to prepare young workers to become productive members of society, community industry partners play a vital role in successful student transitions from school to work, specifically in technical trades where the application of skills through experience is key to performance improvement. As high school students progress through their academics in secondary education, they transition from gaining classroom knowledge to practical application in a lab setting and finally to a capstone experience on a job site where they utilize their acquired skills to demonstrate specific competencies with guided mentorship which is included in a course called Work Based Learning (WBL). Clayton Maynardville is one such partner specializing in carpentry and fabrication trades.

In the fall 2022 semester, UCHS and Clayton Maynardville collaborated to offer young workers opportunities in high skilled trades through the WBL program. In order for students to be eligible for an interview with Clayton Maynardville, students must first complete at least one of the school’s trades programs proficiently, successfully complete a 10 Hour General Industry OSHA training, and receive a letter of recommendation for employment from their program instructor. Then, the real-world experiences begin.

Students present to Clayton Maynardville for a professional interview with the hiring team, demonstrate proficient technical skills, discuss future occupational plans, and adhere to all company requirements and/or processes for obtaining employment. Upon successful completion of these requirements, UCHS students may receive an opportunity to earn exceptional wages while earning academic credits at UCHS. The program places an onus on students to perform quality trade skills, communicate regularly with their employer and their teacher, and to satisfy all coursework requirements. This multifaceted approach to learning prepares and situates students in positions for seamless integration from the classroom to an advantageous career after graduation.

Since the inception of this partnership in 2022, Clayton Maynardville and UCHS educators have placed more than 30 student workers in high-skill, high-wage careers. The connection between the WBL program at UCHS to recruitment and talent development for industry partners cannot be understated. Clayton Maynardville has become a pivotal element in the development of WBL for our students and our programs of study. Industry leaders’ insights into market needs, co-designing work-based learning experiences, and offering mentorship ensures that the WBL programs at UCHS are aligned with industry standards and prepare students for future career demands in Union County. Thank you Clayton Maynardville for supporting the growth and development of our future workforce and for giving our students an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills!

For more information on UCHS WBL or if you are a business owner interested in offering employment opportunities to student workers, you are encouraged to contact UCHS.