St. Louis regional educators learn about STEM careers at Ameren
Part of the Missouri Chamber's Show-Me Careers Educator Experience
St. Louis area employers opened their facility doors to local educators, counselors, and administrators the week of June 20 for a hands-on learning experience to provide a deeper understanding of the skills students will need to pursue in-demand careers.
Ameren was one of the companies which participated in the annual program presented by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Thirty-four educators toured Ameren's Dorsett Training Center in Maryland Heights where they got to see first-hand how line workers and other skilled craft employees receive their training.
"I am excited to take part in this event, especially in-person, following last year's virtual program," said Aundrea Johnson, guidance counselor, Ladue Middle School. "This program allows us to explore businesses in the area that have skilled trade labor jobs or apprenticeships. As a counselor, it helps me work with students who are picking electives, based on STEM initiatives. The vast majority of today's students are very interested in technology."
Launched in St. Louis in 2018 by the Missouri Chamber Foundation, the Regional Business Council – St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Elementary Education, Show-Me Careers takes teams of middle and high school educators, counselors, and administrators into job sites where workforce shortages exist. The program consists of tours, simulations, discussions, and training to familiarize educators with high-demand occupations in the St. Louis metro area. It also highlights the academic pathways that students can take to achieve those careers. As part of the program, educators will develop lesson plans to help bring their new experiences and knowledge back to the classroom.
“The educators and counselors who participate in Show-Me Careers will help to reach thousands of area students with valuable information about how they can access in-demand careers in their community,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “This program is one way we are working to help employers connect with the talent they need. More than half of Missouri business leaders say this is the top issue impacting their profitability. We are excited about the growth of Show-Me Careers this year. We feel this innovative program is providing a vital service to our state’s education and business communities.”
“The Regional Business Council has supported Show-Me Careers since its inception. As business needs have radically changed over the last decade, Show-Me Careers allows employers to interact directly with school counselors to best prepare students to enter the workforce. We believe this collaboration is essential in closing the workforce gap as high-paying skilled careers that don’t require a bachelor’s degree represent over half of the job market. Show-Me Careers is creating a win-win scenario for businesses in need of talent and students in need of a rewarding career without a four-year degree,” said Kathy Osborn, president & CEO at Regional Business Council. The program is endorsed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and has been recognized nationally as a best practice model for teacher externships and career pathways development.
In addition to Ameren, educators also took part in tours, hands-on simulations and discussions at St. Louis Community College, Bio STL, BJC HealthCare, Koller Enterprises, Cortex, ESRI, Guarantee Electrical, The Boeing Company, Spire, Construction Forum, and World Wide Technology. This year, Show-Me Careers programs are being held in four regions of Missouri: Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis.
You can learn more about the program at: https://mochamber.com/workforce/show-me-careers/stlouis/