The best way for a high school student to get hands on job experience for a future career path has to be job shadowing.

From November 17-21, Bellwood-Antis Juniors had the opportunity to job shadow at businesses around Blair County.

What exactly is job shadowing? Juniors actually attended the job of their choice on-site, learned first-hand about daily tasks, workplace expectations, required education or certifications, typical work hours, and salary information. 

Career Shadowing Week was formed by the Blair County BASICS Committee in order to let students make connections and learn about job opportunities in the area. This event is annual and is offered to juniors at all Blair County high schools, not just Bellwood-Antis. Job shadowing is a graduation requirement at B-A.

All juniors can take one job shadow at a local business. High school Guidance Counselor Mrs. Michelle Beard says, “The BASICS Committee coordinates the shadows with the local businesses and relays to the schools the specific information for each student shadow.” 

These local businesses allow students to see first hands the potential careers that you can do after high school. This can help them decide if their career choice is a good fit for them or not. On top of all that, juniors may complete another job shadow in addition to the shadow the BASICS team organizes. 

Figuring out a job, and what you may need to do in order to get the job isn’t an easy task without the right resources. Job shadowing allows students to know what they must accomplish to make that career easier to go in to, and shows students firsthand if the career is something they’d want to change down the road or not

“It helps them see daily responsibilities, workplace expectations, and the training needed, so they can make informed decisions about their future,” said Mrs. Beard

Current seniors, including Kevin Stiver, really enjoyed learning about the potential career option he chose last year, and figuring out if the career was for him.

“It is a great experience to allow students to explore career options and a great way to really know what you want in a desired workplace,” said Stiver.

David Jones, another current senior, likes the real experience of job shadowing.

“I really enjoyed it. It gives you real world experience and problem solving. I did my job shadow at Boyer Refrigeration & Heating,” said Jones.

A spring shadowing week is also be scheduled due to the high number of students shadowing this year.