Standard 3: Advisory Committee and Community Involvement
Advisory Committee Membership
Company/Organization Represented Sonya Sheldon, Gulfstream Kelly Hunt, Memorial Health & Parent Lena Kelly, March of Dimes Jeffrey Heinz, Kaufman & Heinz LLC Debra Zumstein, City of Savannah Matt Amman, Merrill Lynch Ben Tablada, Student Jen Singeisen, Savannah Junior Achievement Michael Corbett, Lead Guidance Counselor Kristine Hummer, WSAV/Parent Jan Smith, WTOC Shennel Reedy, Assistant Principal Amy Perry, Teacher Patrick Schwerin, Teacher Ken Slats, WSAV Diane Rountree, Retired Business Teacher |
Activities to Date:
Advisory Committee Meetings Dates for 2014-2015 November 18 & February 17 & March 25 November 18 Meeting Agenda November 18 Meeting Minutes February 17 Meeting Agenda February 17 Meeting Minutes Advisory Committee Meetings Dates for 2013-2014 January 13, 2014 Meeting Agenda January 13, 2014 Meeting Minutes April 15, 2014 Meeting Agenda April 15, 2014 Meeting Minutes Advisory Committee Long & Short Term Goals Additional Activities Advisory Committee Members are involved in: Kaufman & Heinz host two Savannah Arts WBL/Internship students this year. They also host job shadow experiences throughout the year. WTOC and News Director Jan Smith hosted a six week long internship student this year. Jen Singeisen, with Junior Achievement, helped us partner with local k-8 school, Esther F Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts. Forty students went to Garrison to teach students lessons in grades first through fifth in a program called "JA in 2 Days". Ben Tablada currently serves as our FBLA chapter President. Sonya Sheldon of Gulfstream and Kristine Hummer of WSAV, served as a chaperones for our FBLA Fall Rally field trip. Sonya also recently went to the FBLA State Leadership Conference as a chaperone. Lena Kelly, of March of Dimes, came to speak with our FBLA chapter about the March of Dimes. She also helped us coordinate the design contest for the Shamrock Run, which one of our FBLA students won. Lena also hosted ten FBLA members to volunteer at the Signature Chef Auction, major fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Ken Slats of WSAV served as a chaperone on the recently FBLA State Leadership Conference fieldtrip. |
Program Needs Assessment
Surveys Sent: 50
Surveys Returned: 17
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bxmsKfKT6cW_NVZRxBowSYYa5UtRw6snzcA6t2DLyEU/viewform?usp=send_form
Summary
Numerous surveys were sent to local businesses and business owners. We received 17 replies and were pleased with our findings. Many different types of businesses were represented including: Memorial Health, Fullfillment, Lynxsy, Georgia Emergency Associates, Kaufman-Heinz, LLC, Advanced AV Rentals, LLC, and Digital Doc. The top entry level jobs that were available among the businesses surveyed were Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, and different types of Technicians. But there were other entry level jobs that would be of interest to our students. Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Computer Repair Technician, Clerks, Case Worker, Project Engineer, Project Manager were some of the other entry level positions available. Seventy three percent of the businesses did not require any type of entrance test. The other twenty-six percent did. Some of the tests that they required were typing and computer work based and others stated that they do extensive interviews and have voting sessions for potential new workers.
Participants of the survey stated that there were specific skills needed for entry level positions. Basic computer skills, knowledge of the business, basic math and science, ability to read for instruction, organization, communication, and listening skills were all mentioned. Good work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality, and experience were also things that most businesses were looking for. The number one skill that these businesses needed was basic computer skills which are students are getting in our program.
When asked what software was used 100% answered they use Microsoft Word and Excel. The next two most used were PowerPoint (76%) and Google Docs. 35% used some type of Adobe software. The least used were Corel, Quicken, and Dreamweaver. 53% stated that they used some “other” type of software not listed in the survey which included MongoDB, Red Booth, Epic, Groupwise, Electronic Medical Record, Madmapper, Teambuilder, CAD, X Mind, and more.
Another question in our survey addressed what type of certification was required for entry level positions. Five responded by saying yes. The types of certifications or entry level tests needed for these jobs included: Georgia Work Ready Assessment, drug tests, and simulation types tests of general Audio/Video Setup. Students in our Work Based Learning program take the Georgia Work Ready Assessment so we were pleased to see that on our survey results.
Perhaps the most useful information gathered from the survey was the feedback soft skills. The summary below shows the most talked about soft and technical skills but the two that came up the most were having a positive attitude and having good communication skills. Also asked in the survey was advice that these business leaders would give our students if given the change. Their comments are also listed below.
The following lists describe some of the finding from the survey. All in all, we learned that our program and courses are in fact helping our students prepare for entry level positions. As a result of this survey we will continue to explore ways to teach our students soft skills along with technical competencies.
Surveys Returned: 17
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bxmsKfKT6cW_NVZRxBowSYYa5UtRw6snzcA6t2DLyEU/viewform?usp=send_form
Summary
Numerous surveys were sent to local businesses and business owners. We received 17 replies and were pleased with our findings. Many different types of businesses were represented including: Memorial Health, Fullfillment, Lynxsy, Georgia Emergency Associates, Kaufman-Heinz, LLC, Advanced AV Rentals, LLC, and Digital Doc. The top entry level jobs that were available among the businesses surveyed were Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, and different types of Technicians. But there were other entry level jobs that would be of interest to our students. Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Computer Repair Technician, Clerks, Case Worker, Project Engineer, Project Manager were some of the other entry level positions available. Seventy three percent of the businesses did not require any type of entrance test. The other twenty-six percent did. Some of the tests that they required were typing and computer work based and others stated that they do extensive interviews and have voting sessions for potential new workers.
Participants of the survey stated that there were specific skills needed for entry level positions. Basic computer skills, knowledge of the business, basic math and science, ability to read for instruction, organization, communication, and listening skills were all mentioned. Good work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality, and experience were also things that most businesses were looking for. The number one skill that these businesses needed was basic computer skills which are students are getting in our program.
When asked what software was used 100% answered they use Microsoft Word and Excel. The next two most used were PowerPoint (76%) and Google Docs. 35% used some type of Adobe software. The least used were Corel, Quicken, and Dreamweaver. 53% stated that they used some “other” type of software not listed in the survey which included MongoDB, Red Booth, Epic, Groupwise, Electronic Medical Record, Madmapper, Teambuilder, CAD, X Mind, and more.
Another question in our survey addressed what type of certification was required for entry level positions. Five responded by saying yes. The types of certifications or entry level tests needed for these jobs included: Georgia Work Ready Assessment, drug tests, and simulation types tests of general Audio/Video Setup. Students in our Work Based Learning program take the Georgia Work Ready Assessment so we were pleased to see that on our survey results.
Perhaps the most useful information gathered from the survey was the feedback soft skills. The summary below shows the most talked about soft and technical skills but the two that came up the most were having a positive attitude and having good communication skills. Also asked in the survey was advice that these business leaders would give our students if given the change. Their comments are also listed below.
The following lists describe some of the finding from the survey. All in all, we learned that our program and courses are in fact helping our students prepare for entry level positions. As a result of this survey we will continue to explore ways to teach our students soft skills along with technical competencies.
Frequent Responses Gathered from Surveys:
List of Entry Level Positions · Web Developer · Mobile Developer · Packagers · Return Clerks · Registrars · Therapy Aide · Medical Receptionist · Medical Billing Clerk · Production Assistants · Graphic Designer · Public Relations Coordinator · Janitor · Computer Repair Technician · Case Worker · Field Technician · Project Engineer What technical skills are considered critical to the success of entry-level workers? · Knowledge of how to work with computers · Keyboarding skills · Mathematical skills · Ability to operate office equipment · Processing credit cards, checks, cash payments · Algebra and Geometry competence · Word Processing Skills · Business Writing (excellent grammar and spelling) · Computer Skills |
What soft skills are considered critical to the success of entry-level workers?
What type of software is used by your company?
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What additional advice would you give teachers who are trying to prepare high school students for entry-level positions with our community?
Quotes taken from the survey:
“Interpersonal skills are way more important than people give them credit for. For entry-level positions, the ability to learn new things quickly and retain them is really important. Positive attitude and willingness to try new things are also really important. Working in interdisciplinary teams is really important and something I don't think kids coming out of school get enough experience in.”
“Make sure they have excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Group projects to build team player skills.”
“It's the soft skills that are the best predictor of an entry-level candidate's ability to succeed. Adaptability and problem-solving are key skills. As for technology, being able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations is more important than proficiency at specific software.
Interpersonal skills are also extremely important and commonly lacking in young employees. Practice in dealing with different types of personalities and role playing may help prepare entry-level candidates. Accountability and enthusiasm are the most important values in new entry-level employees. If there's a way to teach this in high school, this would be most helpful.
“The biggest practical challenges facing employers center around weakness in reading, writing and verbal communication. What differentiates a good employee from a great employee is the great employee's ability to clearly and effectively communicate.”
“Beyond skills, students need to understand the universe of opportunities available beyond the entry level. Retail, particularly in the multi-channel age, touches a huge variety of professions such as IT, design, merchandising, sales, advertising, accounting, logistics, engineering and architecture to name a few. View the entry-level position as a way to explore all of these fields, not merely as a "paycheck".”
“Enroll in finance and computer classes”
“Drive the point of Attendance and Tardiness
Work Ethic and Initiative
Good Attitude”’
“Our company is hiring more on attitude and behavior than skill”
Quotes taken from the survey:
“Interpersonal skills are way more important than people give them credit for. For entry-level positions, the ability to learn new things quickly and retain them is really important. Positive attitude and willingness to try new things are also really important. Working in interdisciplinary teams is really important and something I don't think kids coming out of school get enough experience in.”
“Make sure they have excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Group projects to build team player skills.”
“It's the soft skills that are the best predictor of an entry-level candidate's ability to succeed. Adaptability and problem-solving are key skills. As for technology, being able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations is more important than proficiency at specific software.
Interpersonal skills are also extremely important and commonly lacking in young employees. Practice in dealing with different types of personalities and role playing may help prepare entry-level candidates. Accountability and enthusiasm are the most important values in new entry-level employees. If there's a way to teach this in high school, this would be most helpful.
“The biggest practical challenges facing employers center around weakness in reading, writing and verbal communication. What differentiates a good employee from a great employee is the great employee's ability to clearly and effectively communicate.”
“Beyond skills, students need to understand the universe of opportunities available beyond the entry level. Retail, particularly in the multi-channel age, touches a huge variety of professions such as IT, design, merchandising, sales, advertising, accounting, logistics, engineering and architecture to name a few. View the entry-level position as a way to explore all of these fields, not merely as a "paycheck".”
“Enroll in finance and computer classes”
“Drive the point of Attendance and Tardiness
Work Ethic and Initiative
Good Attitude”’
“Our company is hiring more on attitude and behavior than skill”
Sharing Information
A summary of the survey results was emailed to the participating companies. Along with the summary outlined above, we also asked the businesses which ones may want to join our advisory board in the future. Three companies already responded with ways they would like to get involved with our department in the future.
A summary of the survey results was emailed to the participating companies. Along with the summary outlined above, we also asked the businesses which ones may want to join our advisory board in the future. Three companies already responded with ways they would like to get involved with our department in the future.