In a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between education and career readiness, the Sussex Consortium and local homebuilder Schell Brothers have launched a hands-on job shadowing program for high school students in the local area who are interested in construction & the processes that come with this industry.
Immersive Learning Through Real-World Exposure
During March and April, three students from the Sussex Consortium participated in the pilot program, spending two days a week shadowing professionals at Schell Brothers.
Each session lasted three hours and allowed students to rotate through different departments, including:
- Architecture
- Construction
- Accounting
This setup provided students with a wide view of potential career paths in the construction industry and allowed for real professionals to begin mentoring relationships with soon to be young professionals in our local community.
A Look Inside the Program
Through weekly rotations, students:
- Met with trade partners
- Captured construction site photos to keep homeowners updated
- Explored how architectural plans begin
- Learned the basics of Blackpoint software
- Observed how accounting supports company operations
Teacher Steve Kilby, who helped initiate the partnership, emphasized the importance of students seeing real-world applications of their skills.
"Schell Brothers is a generous presence in our community, and we are grateful they saw the value in supporting every student’s growth," he said, commenting on the program’s impact.
Empowering Futures in Sussex County
Schell Brothers’ Director of Marketing, Alyssa Titus, shared her enthusiasm for the program.
"It’s a powerful reminder that talent and ambition come in many forms, and we’re proud to be part of that journey."
This initiative aligns with Cape Henlopen School District’s mission to prepare students for independent and fulfilling lives by fostering meaningful community connections.
Programs like this highlight the power of local partnerships in shaping student futures.
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Source: Cape Gazette