LHS Seniors Get Job Exposure Courtesy of Local Businesses
La Grange High School seniors had a chance to explore job opportunities in La Grange last Wednesday.
The students were able visit local businesses and participate in hands-on activities as well as observe demonstrations of various skills needed for that business. They also had a chance to practice interviewing skills with the business owner. Lunch was provided for the students and employer at the place of business. The La Grange Chamber of Commerce, Texas One Stop and Whataburger sponsored the lunches. The High School Life Skills Class, led by Jill Ahrens, provided the breakfast.
Kathy Toensing a Transition Specialist with Colorado River Cooperative started this event after attending a conference where she learned about Lubbock area schools that provided this type of opportunity for their students.
“This is the third time we are having this event,” Toensing said. “Studies show that if students work or volunteer in high school they have a higher chance of being employed after high school whether they go to college, trade school or go straight into the work force.”
Thirteen local business participated in this one day event, but there was several others who wanted to participate but couldn’t because of lack of staff or time restraints. “La Grange really supports their students,” said Toensing. “Its great to have these connections.”
The local businesses that participated.
R&B Auto Repair - Use and maintain tools, organize tools, customer service, cleaning the shop, observe cleaning/detailing of cars.
Sheriff’s Department - Fingerprinting, evidence collection (forensics), dispatch procedures, role-play
Blooming Junction - Process plant orders, plant orders, floral design, customer service
Jersey Barnyard- Feeding animals (cows, goats, chickens), tour of dairy, customer service, cleaning stalls, hauling food/hay for animals
Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter - Feeding animals, bathing animals, customer service, walking dogs, interaction with other pets
City of La Grange - Mow/edge grass, pick-up litter, empty trash cans, remove weeds/water plants, sweep facilities, manual maintenance tasks
Kleiber Tractor & Equipment - Processes of sales/inventory/ordering, observe checking in equipment through use of forklift, customer service, assembly/repairs/diagnosing all equipment
Bodega Wine Market - Discuss cleanliness rules of the restaurant business, customer service, prepare pastries/desserts, prepare a meal
Sutherlands Lumber Company - Tour/discuss all aspects of business, customer service, measure/cut wood, mix paint
We Stitch- Daily opening routines, answer phone calls, actually do an embroidery task, customer service, set up embroi dery machines
The website for Texas Workforce Commission is www.twc.texas.gov. You can also read about PreEmployment Transition Services (Pre ETS) on this website: https://www.texastransition.org