Linn-Mar 4th Graders Explore Careers On Wheels

Career exploration can happen in the classroom, but a certain type of learning has to take place outside of the classroom walls. The entire 4th grade class of the Linn-Mar School District, comprising 7 different schools, got an up-close and personal view of Careers on Wheels at the Marion Airport on May 11, 2010. 29 vehicles representing a wide variety of careers, along with their drivers, met over 500 9- and 10-year olds to chat with them about their jobs, the career path they took to become a business professional and the skills needed to find a job such as theirs. Each business person emphasized the use of math and interpersonal skills such as writing, reading and oral communication as a daily part of their job.

Careers on Wheels is annual event coordinated by the Workplace Learning Connection in partnership with the Linn-Mar Community School District. Students within the Grant Wood Area 10 are learning 21st Century Skills and Employability Skills starting in elementary school, so they can be better prepared for their post-secondary life. Exploring careers by exposing children to area businesses and organizations is one way that the education system is addressing the need to meet the ever-changing demands of the future workforce and may also help plug a ‘brain drain'.

Careers on Wheels is a fun, interactive way to present learning opportunities to elementary school children. One 4th grader described the benefit to this event, “I really liked the Clip-N-Go. I also enjoyed the ambulance. A career I may be interested in being is a veterinarian.” A business participant summed it up, “Kids keep things simple and honest. Lots of the kids asked very good questions. That's what I like to see, kids thinking.”