Category: Employers

Career Connected: How Inspire Wisconsin Enhances the “Career” in Career and Technical Education

Author: Candice Boutelle

February 14, 2025

Career & Technical Education (CTE) plays a crucial role in preparing students for their futures, yet many people associate it solely with traditional “tech ed” courses like woodworking or auto mechanics. While these fields are certainly part of CTE, the reality is that CTE encompasses a wide range of career pathways, including health sciences, information technology, business and marketing, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, and more. Each of these disciplines provides students with hands-on learning experiences that align with in-demand careers. At Inspire Wisconsin, we are proud to support CTE by connecting students with real-world career exploration opportunities, such as job shadows, virtual career conversations and Work Based Learning opportunities.

When students engage directly with professionals and workplaces, they gain a deeper understanding of career paths and develop critical skills that set them up for long-term success. These experiences not only help students make informed decisions about their futures, but they also provide employers with opportunities to inspire and shape the next generation of workers.

Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly recently highlighted the importance of CTE in a recent editorial. She emphasizes the role of CTE in creating strong career pathways and building a skilled workforce. We encourage parents, educators, and employers to read her piece and consider how they can support students through hands-on learning opportunities.

At Inspire Wisconsin, we believe that every student should have access to meaningful career-based learning experiences. Whether you’re an employer looking to engage with future talent or a parent guiding your child’s career journey, we invite you to be part of this important work.Learn more about how Inspire Wisconsin is helping students explore careers and gain real-world experience at InspireWI.org.

Equipping Career Mentors for Success

August, 2024
Author: Candice Boutelle
Resources: Career Mentor Flyer

Equipping Career Mentors for Success

At Inspire Wisconsin, we believe that hands-on, career-based learning is crucial in helping students explore potential career paths. Central to this effort are our career mentors—dedicated professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the next generation of talent.

Who Are Our Career Mentors?

Career mentors are employees from our partnering employers who have a passion for their work and a desire to share their knowledge with students. These individuals volunteer to participate in career-based learning experiences, acting as content experts in their respective fields. Whether they are involved in job shadows, classroom speaking engagements, or mentoring activities like mock interviews and career fairs, our career mentors play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and the workforce.

Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment

Creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount when it comes to career exploration. To ensure the well-being of all students, Inspire Wisconsin requires all new career mentors to undergo a background check. This standard practice is just one of the ways we protect students while allowing them to engage in meaningful career exploration activities.

Inspire Coordinators are dedicated to supporting both mentors and students. They provide valuable resources, suggestions, and guidance to help plan positive and impactful experiences. Whether it’s advice on how to engage students during a job shadow or tips for making a classroom presentation more interactive, our coordinators are there every step of the way.

The Mentor Training Process

Recognizing the importance of preparedness, we are pairing our existing policies and resources with structured mentor training. This training ensures that every career mentor is equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to create enriching learning experiences for students.

The mentor training process covers several key areas:

1. **Understanding the Role of a Career Mentor:** Volunteers learn about the significance of their role in students’ academic and career planning. They are introduced to the different opportunities available for mentorship, from job shadows to participating in career fairs.

2. **Best Practices for Engagement:** We provide practical tips on how to engage students effectively, whether in one-on-one settings or larger group environments. This includes strategies for clear communication, maintaining student interest, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and curiosity.

3. **Safety and Ethical Considerations:** Mentors are trained on the importance of maintaining a safe environment, including understanding the boundaries of their role and the significance of the background check process. They are also briefed on ethical considerations when interacting with students.

4. **Resource Utilization:** Mentors are guided on how to make the most of the resources provided by Inspire Coordinators. This includes how to integrate suggested activities into their mentorship, how to tailor their approach based on student needs, and where to find additional support if needed.

By providing this comprehensive training, Inspire Wisconsin ensures that our career mentors are not only content experts but also effective and responsible guides for the students they mentor. With the right preparation, these volunteers can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, helping them to navigate their educational journey and explore the world of work with confidence. You can view the Career Mentor Training on our YouTube page.

Employers: Share this resource with your employees interested in becoming a career mentor.