Published 11/30/2016
Connecting middle school students (employees of the future) with local employers
Angie Plugge, principal of Dawes Middle School, recently contacted our Prosper Lincoln Employment Skills Developers. The school wants to create better a connection between their students and local businesses and careers, and had a feeling Bryan Seck and Mike Milbourn could help them do that.
On November 15, representatives from three local businesses – Kawasaki, Lincoln Industries and Pixel Bakery – joined Seck and Milbourn to visit with Dawes’ entire student body.
To kick off the presentation, Seck asked “Who likes to make stuff?” and “Who likes to create cartoons and graphic designs?” He told the students they can do these as a future career, right here in Lincoln.
The three employer representatives then shared information about their business and career paths.
Lincoln’s Kawasaki facility produces all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, personal watercraft, recreation utility vehicles and passenger rail cars, which are shipped throughout North America and exported to countries around the globe. Kevin Mattran, Trainer/Workforce Learning and Performance Specialist, shared the skills needed to work at Kawasaki.
Lincoln Industries is the largest and most diverse privately-held metal finishing company in North America. Kristi Oltman, Human Resources Director, answered questions about career options.
Pixel Bakery is a tech start up focused on animation and website design. Co-founder and Head of Motion, Jordan Lambrecht, showcased some work examples.
Dawes Middle School has very defined student learning goals. Plugge says “In order to accomplish these goals we will collaborate with students, families, and our community partners to ‘relentlessly engage’ each student in developing a clear blueprint for a successful life. All Dawes students will know who they are, what they want to become, and how to obtain the skills, knowledge, and experiences to achieve their personal goals.” This meeting with students was a notable step on their goal pathway.
So what’s next? Dawes’ 8th grade students will soon take field trips to each business to see their work in action. And in case the students’ parents are looking to improve their own career, the school will also hold a parent night event. Recruiters from these three businesses and others will be on hand to share details on their current open positions and the skills/experience needed to become an employee.
North Star High School heard about the Dawes presentation and wants to hold its own. Our Prosper Lincoln Employment Skills Developers work to connect businesses hiring current and future team members. That’s what we mean when we say Prosper Lincoln will provide opportunities for people to realize career aspirations.