By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is attempting to engage the next generation of workers earlier than ever before.
"We've started a program that's launching," said CEO Debra Teufel. "It's a pilot program this semester with USD 308 called Career Quest. We are starting with two sixth grade classes at Wiley and McCandless elementary schools to educate young people about the jobs, but get them out there, interacting with businesses, so they can learn about jobs and get excited about what those jobs might mean for them six years later when they are graduating from high school."
It's important for kids to see the point of school to keep their effort up, even if they may not see a four-year degree in their future.
"I think if we start early and really help every young person across Reno County realize that there are employers ready to hire them tomorrow, that they will plan their education path to get there," Teufel said. "I think it's going to pay off for our community. That's kind of betting on the long game."
The Chamber has been working with community groups, as well.
"We also partner with Boys and Girls Club in their EPIC Skillz program," Teufel said. "Businesses across this community are opening their doors for those middle school kids in EPIC Skillz, as well as high schoolers, to come in, again, maybe take a little deeper dive in to what those jobs mean, maybe line up an internship for them while they are in high school so that they can get a real taste of a job."
The goal is to let them figure out what they like to do in time to get themselves on the right educational path to be able to use programs that will allow them to spend little or no money and get post-secondary credentials necessary for their vocation.