40
Parent & Student Resources
CAREER EXPOSURE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Business, education and community partnerships provide career exposure through classroom and real-world experiences. Fifth-grade students across the county practice professional skills through our regional Amazing Shake Competition. Their mastery of soft skills is displayed through tasks such as interviews, networking, presentations and communication.
Students learn about the technical aspects of work through the If I had a Hammer Construction program, career day guest speakers and classroom career exploration projects.
CAREER EXPLORATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle schoolers explore careers through classroom curriculum, field trips and specialized career pathway fairs. Eighth-graders use YouScience, an aptitude and interest tool that matches them with professions based on their individual results.
Parents and students are encouraged to use YouScience results when selecting preview classes during their Career Pathway Fair. Career Pathway Fairs showcase high school CTE students, CTE teachers and CTE professionals. Students should combine YouScience results, career pathway fair information and approved assessments to pick high school classes with direction from their guidance counselors and parents.
CAREER EXPERIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL
High schoolers are encouraged to participate in career and technical education classes along with Early Post Secondary Opportunities such as advanced placement (AP) classes, dual-enrollment and industry certifications.
Junior and senior students can participate in work-based learning, the student job fair, ACT Workkeys and the Work Ethic Distinction, which provide direct connections to local employers and real-world professions. Seniors may also round out soft skills through Youth Leadership Rutherford, a personal development program designed to enhance leadership skills in high school seniors while promoting community awareness and civic engagement.
Finding Success After High School
Honing talent doesn't end in high school. By utilizing YouScience results, early-post secondary opportunities, in-demand jobs data, and state-funded scholarships, students can gain additional certifications or degrees that set them up for a good quality of life. If you’re wondering whether it pays to continue your education, take a look at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) below.
Rutherford County Colleges and Universities
Higher education institutions in Rutherford County offer programs aligned with local in-demand jobs. Try pairing their available programs with jobs from our in-demand industries to plan potential career pathways.
