UPDATE: tnAchieves is urgently celebrating its fall Job Shadow Days, as nearly 250 students gain firsthand exposure to careers across Tennessee. This initiative, which runs throughout November 2023, showcases the vital partnerships with local businesses that are opening their doors to students eager to explore career paths.
With 84.7 percent of tnAchieves graduates living and working in Tennessee, these job shadowing opportunities are crucial for building the state’s future workforce. Students are stepping into real-world environments, learning about the day-to-day realities of various professions, and making invaluable connections.
15 job shadowing events have been organized this month, allowing students to directly engage with local employers. The impact is significant: after participating, 80 percent of students reported gaining career clarity, while 84 percent felt more aware of the skills necessary for workforce success. Remarkably, 99 percent left with at least one networking contact to pursue further opportunities.
“tnAchieves relies on support from community partners to open doors and enhance connections in each of the 74 counties we serve,” stated Tyler Ford, Vice President of Workforce. He emphasized the importance of local businesses stepping up to support the workforce of tomorrow.
Participating businesses include notable names such as Arconic, Dollywood, Pfizer, and the Tennessee Department of Health. These companies not only provide insights into their operations but also have the chance to meet potential future employees.
Importantly, hours spent job shadowing can count towards students’ Tennessee Promise community service requirements. To date, tnAchieves students have collectively completed more than 971,000 hours of job shadowing since the program’s inception in 2008.
tnAchieves is committed to hosting Job Shadow Days each spring and fall, and with each event, participation increases. This growth reflects the rising interest among students in exploring diverse career paths and understanding the local job market.
For businesses interested in hosting future job shadow days, Tyler Ford can be reached at [email protected] or (309) 945-3446.
For media inquiries, please contact Rebecca Franklin at [email protected] or (865) 748-7767.
As tnAchieves continues to connect students with career opportunities, the importance of community involvement in shaping the future workforce cannot be overstated. Stay tuned for more updates on this impactful initiative!
