BLOOMINGTON – Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Foundation – The Success School, Monroe County Community Schools, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening the regional talent pipeline in the Uplands region. This collaboration focuses on providing students with opportunities for success after high school through various career exploration and skill-building initiatives.
The partnership is crucial as local employers seek new ways to develop a skilled workforce while offering high school students hands-on experience in various fields. “By working together, we are ensuring that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation while also addressing the ongoing workforce needs of our local businesses,” said Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
Local businesses are invited to get involved and help shape the next generation of talent through various opportunities. These opportunities include job shadowing, mock interviews, mentorship programs, company tours, career discovery meetings, and more. Employers can directly engage with students through in-person or virtual events such as career fairs, panel discussions, and internships. Additionally, employers can collaborate with students through mentorship opportunities or by participating in student-run business initiatives.
The following is a list of specific ways local employers can engage with the initiative:
- Job Shadow: Students observe employees in action, offering insight into different career paths.
- Mock Interviews: Local businesses host mock interviews to help students hone their interview skills.
- Mentorship/Skills Coaching: Employers provide one-on-one coaching on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Career Discovery Meetings: Local employers meet with small groups of students to discuss potential careers and opportunities in their field.
- Company Tours: Companies provide in-person or virtual tours, allowing students to explore various career environments.
- Internships and Apprenticeships: Students gain on-the-job training, helping them build real-world experience and networks in their chosen industry.
In addition to one-time events, ongoing opportunities such as career path presentations, panel discussions, and industry-specific presentations will provide continuous engagement for local employers to connect with students and inspire the workforce of tomorrow.
How Employers Can Get Involved
Local employers interested in participating in these collaborative efforts can fill out a simple form at https://bit.ly/EngageEmployer or contact the participating organizations directly for more information.
