Frank Barcellos

There was a statistic given that there are over 1600 students to 1 career staff professional.  That ratio is obviously unsustainable for student career success.  Fortunately the ratio at our school is much lower than that.  We utilize many of the oractices outlined in his section such as internships and co-op opportunities.  Our program has the advantage of being a licensed trade with apprenticeship built in.  Earning while a student learns relieves the student of onerous student debt and allows learning tailor made for the on the job portion of the apprenticeship.

Rather than simply relying upon a one size fits all model, the school to career transition should be fitted to the students' needs, the employers' needs, and to the most effective means of communication and assessment.  Our students who work in industry are required to keep a journal which becomes part of their theory grade.  feedback on a scaled form from their employer goes toward their shop grade. Perhaps using technology such as school wide E mail or shop specfific social media, instant feddback may be provided between the students, employers, and instructors.

Our program is fortunate to have 1 alumnus on our advisory board. We should reach out to other alumni who are in the industry and utilize their knowledge and experience.

One very important stakeholder left out of the others represented by the Venn Diagram is that of the parent/guardian. They are so often overlooked as a huge part of educating students.