Job Sampling Program

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Job sampling is an initiative for students to connect the classroom to careers and engage students in the world of work. The length of the job sample experience varies but typically is composed of half-day visits to a job site. Sites may include private, non-profit, or government sector, where students shadow employees and participate in workplace activities.

The benefits of job sampling:

• Demonstrates the connection between academics and careers, stimulating students to learn by making their class work more relevant
• Builds community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance the educational experience of all students
• Demonstrates how education can be translated into a rewarding and financially secure future by providing a fun and unusual hands-on experience that demonstrates the link between school and real life
• Introduces students to the requirements of professions and industries to help them prepare to join the workforce
• Encourages an ongoing relationship between young people and adults

Everyone benefits! 
Job sampling is a win/win situation. Each participant gains unique benefits from job sampling!

For Students:

• Provides an answer to the questions, “Why do I have to learn this?” and “Would I want to make this job a career?” 
• Gives a view into all aspects involved in a job; students can observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities but also what each profession requires on a day-to-day basis
• Lets students learn first-hand what it takes to make it in their fields of interest from the people who know best – working professionals

For Educators:

• Helps motivate students to learn by demonstrating the tangible applications of classroom lessons
• Helps craft lesson plans around students’ career interests

For Employers:

• Helps prepare the future workforce
• Shows students career possibilities in different industries
• Demonstrates a tangible commitment to supporting and improving the community
• Creates a feeling of personal satisfaction that comes from mentoring a young person
• Promotes potential long-term mentoring programs