CRAWFORD COUNTY — Seven Crawford County Schools had 438 eighth-grade students spend a day (Oct. 15) visiting local businesses and learning about careers available close to home as part of the annual WAGE Tours.
Coordinated by the Crawford Partnership, WAGE Tours give students a chance to step inside local workplaces, meet the people who work there, and get a better understanding of the different career paths available throughout Crawford County.
Students from Buckeye Central, Bucyrus, Colonel Crawford, Crestline, Galion, Wynford, and Wayside Christian participated this year.
Students visited businesses and organizations representing agriculture, healthcare and senior living, banking and finance, manufacturing, hospitality, and public safety.
During each visit, employers shared what they do, the types of jobs they offer, and the education, training, and skills needed for those careers.
Crystal Dean, Workforce Development Manager with the Crawford Partnership, said reaching students before they enter high school gives them time to start thinking about their interests and the options available to them.
“Eighth grade is a great time to start these conversations,” Dean said. “Students are beginning to think about what they enjoy and what they might want to do in the future. We want them to see the variety of career paths available and know there are great opportunities right here in Crawford County.”
The tours are just as valuable for employers, giving them a chance to introduce students to jobs and industries they may know very little about while building relationships with the next generation of workers.
WAGE Tours are one piece of the Crawford Partnership’s work to bring local schools and employers together. Throughout the year, students and businesses connect through workplace tours, classroom visits, job shadowing, internships, and other hands-on career experiences.
The Crawford Partnership thanks the businesses and organizations that opened their doors to students, as well as the schools, educators, transportation staff, and community partners who helped make the day possible.
Businesses and organizations interested in working with Crawford County students through tours, job shadowing, internships, classroom experiences, or other opportunities are encouraged to contact Crystal Dean, Workforce Development Manager, with the Crawford Partnership.