Partnership is an educational tool that is integral to the success of ROP. Business partners can enhance ROP/CTE courses in a variety of ways including donations of time, expertise, equipment and monetary contributions.
Business involvement brings real world knowledge and skills into the classroom and exposes students to experiences and insights they would not otherwise receive. In return, business partners help shape the future of their industry by contributing to the education and skill sets of students who one day will become members of the workforce.
How can your business help us to prepare students to become future employees?
Advisory Board Participation – Industry representatives have the opportunity to sit on specific industry advisory boards, allowing them to work directly with teachers in the development of new curriculum designed to meet current industry needs. In addition, advisory boards can provide critiques of existing courses, examining how well they fit with real world industry requirements.
Mentorships – Partner employees can also offer one-on-one time with students for a more in-depth look at a given industry or specific job focus. This may be accomplished by email, class visits or what ever fits your needs.
Speaking Opportunities – Industry speakers are invited to talk with students about their own experiences in their field of choice, as well as the current and anticipated workforce needs within their specific industry.
Job Shadowing – Students can tour a company's facilities, or shadow an employee in industry.
Internships - The best way for students to understand how an industry works and what is actually required in a specific job is to have the opportunity to perform an internship. Business partners provide opportunities for students to spend time, paid or unpaid, in real world business environments, allowing students to get hands-on experience in their field of interest.