Recently, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a workshop for teachers to help address the educational needs of local youth.“A well educated community is a quality community,” said Brent Christensen, president and CEO of the Chamber.Teachers from the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School attended a meeting at the Chamber, followed by workshops at several businesses involved in major areas of employment around Gainesville. The workshops helped the teachers conceptualize necessary work skills high school students need to succeed after graduation. Each session consisted of a tour of the business’s facilities, followed by a sit-down discussion with the hiring manager/department about specific jobs and hiring policies. Through the Chamber’s workshop, the teachers learned about current trends in the workforce. Career lattices are replacing career ladders, said Kim Tesch-Vaught, senior director of workforce for FloridaWorks. Jobs are more focused on science, technology, engineering and math than before. Teachers also learned about entry-level jobs in Alachua County and required skill sets and certifications to get these jobs.Nancy Iafrate, a teacher specialist in career and educational technology with the Alachua County Public Schools, said the teachers also learned that employers want employees who could show up on time for work, be able to get along with coworkers, dress appropriately and communicate appropriately.“The teachers loved the workshop and really want to include the students in this kind of experience,” Iafrate said.
The teachers were able to take all they learned from the workshops to update and revise their curriculum based on industry needs and input. The Chamber's overview of what is happening employment-wise in the community also helped the teachers adjust their programs. Decreasing the high school dropout rate is also a focus of the Chamber.