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Small and large business, non-profit, government and education leaders came together at Spring Lake Park High School. They discussed the skills graduates need and how school and community can partner to build the future.

Spring Lake Park Schools and MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce convened two industry roundtable conversations on February 15 and 17. More than two dozen industry leaders participated. They represented a variety of sectors, including retail, hospitality, health care, finance, manufacturing, construction, and government.

Participants provided insight on the skills and mindsets graduates need to succeed in the workforce. They also learned how they can engage with the schools’ three career pathways designed to help students explore career opportunities, gain real-world experience and even earn college credits.

Skills of tomorrow

When asked to identify critical skills they look for in their workforce today, roundtable participants named attributes such as communication, reliability, ability to work with people of different backgrounds, problem-solving and others.

“There are clear themes in what we heard from employers. It is affirming for the work we’ve been doing to surface and articulate the skills and mindsets we can help develop at school as we also engage students in rigorous learning in core content areas,” says Jeff Ronneberg, superintendent.

Insights from the roundtable discussions reinforced work the SLP has been doing to identify and name critical career and life competencies needed to succeed in career, college and life. The input from industry partners will have immediate impact on that work. Eventually, the competencies will be integrated into all academic courses.

“Our goal is to create learning experiences that not only help students learn academic content but intentionally cultivate the skills and mindsets a student needs to become a lifelong, powerful and joyful learner,” says Jeff. “These community members are sharing with us the skills needed to contribute in a complex and fast-changing world.”

Career pathways

Roundtable contributors also learned more about Spring Lake Park Schools’ three career pathways – Business and Entrepreneurship, Health and Human Services and Technology, Engineering and Design. Each pathway represents a need for future jobs. Multiple courses within each pathway allow students to pick and choose courses across pathways or go deep in one area.

“We want students to be able to explore,” says Eric Van Brocklin, the high school’s Pathways to Career and College Readiness lead. “As they explore, they have a chance to find what they are good at and what they enjoy doing.”

Some students pitch business ideas to business leaders. Some become certified nursing assistants and EMTs. Others learn how to make cool stuff on 3D printers according to customer specs. Through pathways, students have a chance to explore as they gain real, applicable skills for their future.

“There is powerful learning in connection to the real world. We are always looking for industry partners to come in or invite us out,” says Eric. “There are small and large opportunities to get involved to help shape the future workforce and help students find their future paths.”

Pathways courses integrate guest instructors, incorporate tours and site visits to different workplaces, provide opportunities for students to take on real-world projects and even offer students internship and apprenticeship possibilities. There are many opportunities for local businesses to get involved. A few partners shared their experience in this 2-minute video.

Interested in learning more? Contact Eric Van Brocklin, evanbr@district16.org, 763-600-5100.