Students are making important career decisions while still in high school through participation in the Hall County Youth Apprenticeship Program. Lauren Armour, a senior at North Hall High School, participates in the Youth Apprenticeship program offered through her school and is getting a jump on her career.
The program allows high school students, like Lauren, to work in an area of interest and helps prepare them to make career decisions by offering “hands-on” experience. The experience allows the students to determine if a career area is realistic, obtainable and one that interests them. It also gives the student the advantage of receiving training and on-the-job experience before leaving high school.
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is open to juniors and seniors and offers students school-based and work-based teaming opportunities that are related to the student’s career interest area. It provides students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, a post-secondary credential or diploma, and industry-recognized certification in their chosen career area.
Lauren’s ambition is to become a lawyer. She began working part-time with Whelchel and Dunlap, LLP in September. Upon graduation, she plans to attend college and pursue her degree in History & Political Science (Pre-Law) and then enter Law school.
When asked what Lauren has gained through participation in the program thus far, she replied, “I have learned various new tasks and skills, and I have also decided that law is the field I want to pursue. The program has allowed me to network with many different individuals, all who have encouraged me to accomplish my goal.”
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is a partnership between the student, the school, and business or industry. Each student is assigned a workplace mentor who provides guidance and encouragement to the youth apprentice as well as being involved in the teaching of work tasks and job responsibilities to the student. Lauren’s workplace mentor, Alicia Grizzle says, “This is our first experience with the program, and we have been very well pleased.”
For more information about the Hall County Youth Apprenticeship Program, contact Program Coordinator Rhonda Samples, 770-534-1080 ext. 204. hallco.org