Plan now for a successful 2025 Week of Work

A crucial component of education for middle and high school students is the part that encourages them to consider different careers that will appeal to their interests. Early career exploration can broaden horizons and raise aspirations for students, which motivates them to succeed academically.

The goal of the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) is for all students to graduate high school ready for college, career, and life. Each year, the DOE works with the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) to sponsor the Week of Work. The Week of Work is a week in April dedicated to helping students explore career fields and workforce opportunities. Schools provide ways for middle and high school students to connect with local businesses as a way to introduce those students to the opportunities in their communities and throughout the state.

Schools can participate in the Week of Work in a variety of ways. Some of the more popular ways include these ideas:

• Invite local businesses to speak to students at the school.
• Ask businesses to consider hosting a tour of their establishment.
• Arrange for employers to host students to "shadow" workers in their business.
• Hold a career fair where students can interact with many employers at once.
• Invite school alumni who can share what they have learned as they navigated the workforce.
• Celebrate the partnerships and experiences that occur throughout the year.

The Week of Work is an opportunity for both students and the businesses that participate. Students can use the time to explore careers that appeal to their interests and make the most of their skills. As they interact with local employers, students can learn about the training or preparation needed to get them into their desired career field. The Week of Work is also a good time for students to consider ways to improve their "soft skills," which will serve them well in the workforce.

Businesses that participate in the Week of Work can use the opportunity to shape the future workforce. They can talk to students about the skillsets that are necessary to succeed in their fields and provide feedback to students who have questions about their hiring practices.

Although the Week of Work occurs April 7-11, the time to prepare to make it a successful event is now. In January and February, schools should encourage middle and high school students to visit SDMyLife.com to take career assessments and to explore careers in South Dakota. They can also visit the Week of Work website to view videos about possible careers in every career cluster. In February, schools should connect with local businesses, universities, and technical colleges to organize job shadows, tours, career fairs, and speakers. In March, communicate with students, parents, and the community at large about the Week of Work and the activities your school has planned. Then, during the week of April 7-11, celebrate! Be sure to include photos and videos on social media, and let everyone see the ways that your school prepares students to find fulfilling careers.

Schools and businesses can find more information about the Week of Work by visiting the Week of Work website, or they can contact Melissa Ettswold with questions.