Major Employers Offer Virtual Work Experience to High School Students

In an effort to provide high school students with valuable work experience and career exploration opportunities, major employers are now offering virtual internships and work-based learning programs. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional environments, helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.

One such program is the Career and Technical Education Professional Studies Internship offered by USD 232 in Kansas. This internship provides students with hands-on experience in professional work settings related to their academic and career interests. By participating in these internships, students gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in their chosen fields and become stronger candidates for jobs after graduation.

Similarly, the non-profit organization Creative Action offers a Career Camp program that provides pre-employment services to students during school breaks. The program includes work readiness training, self-advocacy skills development, work-based learning opportunities, postsecondary educational counseling, and job exploration guidance. Students engage with guest speakers and receive incentives based on their performance, attendance, and length of the session, with the potential to earn up to $600 per session.

Why this matters: Virtual work experience programs offer high school students valuable exposure to professional environments and help them make informed decisions about their future careers. By participating in these initiatives, students can gain practical skills, build their resumes, and establish connections with potential employers, ultimately increasing their chances of success in the job market after graduation.

The importance of practical experience in the tech industry is highlighted by the partnership between the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, which offers computer science students paid internships and apprenticeships. This program connects students with employers early in their academic journey, allowing them to gain real-world experience and potentially secure full-time jobs before graduation.

As more employers recognize the value of investing in the next generation of professionals, virtual work experience programs are expected to become increasingly common. By providing students with opportunities to explore various career paths and develop essential skills, these initiatives are helping to shape a well-prepared and diverse workforce for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Employers offer virtual internships and work-based learning to high school students.
• These programs aim to bridge classroom learning and real-world professional environments.
• Programs like Career Camp provide work readiness training, job exploration, and earning potential.
• Practical experience helps students make informed career decisions and become stronger job candidates.
• Virtual work experience programs are expected to become more common as employers invest in the next generation.