By: Susie Day, job developer for Lexington Two School District

I have an amazing job in the Columbia area. I am a job developer for the Lexington Two School District, and I work with high school juniors and seniors in our Student Employability Training Program (SET). These students have some type of learning, emotional or intellectual challenge that would make obtaining a traditional diploma unlikely.

Our program is a modified occupational course of study that includes a Community Based Training (CBT) component – a hands-on experience that is essential to preparing students with the knowledge + skills they need to be contributing and productive citizens in our community.

Lexington Two has partnered with local businesses – 39 and counting! – to offer an experiential learning opportunity that provides students AND businesses the opportunity to work together.

Through this program, I have had the pleasure of working with local hospitals, landscapers, restaurants, auto repair businesses, thrift, retail + grocery stores; hotels, a locksmith, a metal fabricator – and even the airport, CAE.

These students are considered interns and receive course credit for their CBT – and are covered under the district’s Workers’ Compensation policy. After interviewing each student and identifying career clusters of interest, I look to local businesses that could provide a supportive training placement option for them.

Each student works 2-3 hours a week during the school day for an entire semester, for career exploration, career assessment and/or work-related training. The students are transported, trained + supervised for the entire semester by Lexington Two staff.

In the 2017-18 school year, students worked 5 mornings + 5 afternoons per week for a total of 609 hours of CBT. Among those students, 10 were offered paid positions at the end of their placement!

Here’s what some of our business partners said about the program:

“It has been our intent to provide a positive impact on these students, as they have certainly provided one for us. Each student performed an important role … all while offering the student a learning environment and education which we hope will help them to achieve their goals.” –Lexington Medical Center Foundation

“Wonderful experience overall, so much so that we hired one and he is doing a great job! We will be happy to participate in the program again.” Woodley’s Garden Center

Here’s what past students have said:

“I learned how to work, be on time and stay busy. My work even turned into a part-time job for me” –Jeremy

“I got used to asking questions if I needed help, so I wasn’t nervous anymore. And always be on time to your work!” –Lily

This program helps business partners have an opportunity to shape and mold future employees while building their talent pipelines. Students gain real-world work experience and knowledge to prepare them for life after graduation. It’s a win-win.

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