A number of Carroll County High School students have jumped on the opportunity to obtain real world work experience through the work-based learning program.
Jeff Fremin coordinates the program. He connects students with employers that can expand on their interests and skills. Ideally, the job will connect with the pathway the student is on at CCHS. Approximately 40 students are in the work-based learning (WBL) program.
Among those are a crew who work at North American Stainless. Grayson Kinman, Traiven Bayes, Orianna Wilson and Cameron Butcher work in various departments within the administration building at NAS. This community partner has hosted WBL and co-op students for nearly 20 years.
Grayson works in the environmental and chemical lab where he gets to participate in things such as hardness tests, organizing the lab and conducting water analysis. He’s not permitted to enter the plant, but he does see the fruits from the steel mill during the testing processes.
“I enjoy it. I stay busy and it’s interesting being hands-on,” Grayson said as he was conducting a water analysis. “It's a good experience to see what I like and don’t like.”
Grayson said he is considering studying business or engineering when he goes to college in the fall at Northern Kentucky University or the University of Kentucky.
“We’ll teach them whatever they’re willing to learn,” said Bruce Trapp, mechanical lab group leader.
“There are all kinds of jobs here, probably anything a person could be interested in,” Fremin added. “We really appreciate NAS working with our students.”
The student workers are evaluated every two weeks by Fremin and their bosses. Their grade is determined by those evaluations.
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes noted that not all school districts are supportive of work-based learning opportunities, but Carroll County is exceptional in that way. “We continue to invest in people and programs that help set up our students for their success after high school. Our recent KSA scores demonstrate that WBL is working for our students and community,” Jaynes said, referencing the dramatic increase in postsecondary readiness scores at CCHS after state testing last year.
Within the same building, Traiven works on switching old databases to new ones, cleaning up electronic filing and other quality assurance projects. He plans to study computer science when he goes to college.
Ellie Sanchez Galiano, a quality assurance engineer in the technical department, is his supervisor. “He’s learning quickly and I appreciate that,” she said. “This is very good for them. They get to see what a real job is no matter what background they have.”
Traiven actually started working at NAS during the summer, but had to take a hiatus while he waited for the WBL to get finalized. “Right away I had an interest in it,” Traiven said of WBL and the work he’s doing.
A few cubicles away Orianna works with General Accounting Manager Julie Leap. She processes invoices, helps with special projects such as mass mailings to vendors for updated tax documents and performs other general duties as requested.
“It’s always nice to have an extra pair of hands,” Leap said. “They’re a big asset. Once we get them trained, they’re very valuable to us.”
Orianna has also worked at NAS during the summer through a program offered to children of NAS employees. It dovetailed into the WBL position.
“I enjoy it a lot,” Orianna said. “It’s definitely a real job. It’s a really good opportunity for students to see the outside world.” Orianna plans to attend the University of Kentucky or the University of the Cumberlands in the fall. She wants to become an attorney who focuses on accounting.
Their last neighbor in the admin building is Cam, who works on data analysis, quality analysis and summarizing a capital expenditure project with Sarah Veazey, a cost of quality engineer. Cam also works with Melanie Stewart, assistant to the president of NAS.
Cam said he wants to study business management in college and this job has helped him prepare. “I think it’s good to do hands-on work experience, especially if it prepares you for your career. It’s good to get a head start,” Cam said.
Students typically work half a day, some choose morning and some choose afternoon, then attend classes at CCHS or JCTC the remainder of the day. They check in on an app each day and Fremin is able to find their location at all times as a safety measure.