Career coaching helps GSHS students narrow choices

John Robbins, transition coordinator with the Garden Spot High School (GSHS) Career Pathways program, remembers the question that spurred the career coaching program at the school. "About 35% (of GSHS graduates) go to traditional college," said Robbins. "What are we doing for the rest?"

To answer that question, over the years, the program has expanded. In the fall of 2021, career coaching for freshman and sophomore students was added when Rosanna Martin and Jennifer Netzley joined the team, which already included Alisha Horst, Sherry Sensenig, Hannah Foley, and Career Pathways coordinator Jill Hackman. The addition of Martin and Netzley means that all ninth- and 10th-graders now receive a minimum of two experiences related to their career interest before they become juniors.

At the beginning of each school year, Martin and Netzley give presentations about the program. "Each student fills out a questionnaire with top three career choices," said Martin. Based on the students' interests, Martin and Netzley schedule guest speakers, fairs, tours at area businesses and educational institutions, and more.

The co-workers take students on about three tours a week, with visits ranging from the veterinary practice across from GSHS to the Lancaster television station. "We have been at Channel 8 News for all students interested in sports analysis, broadcasting, weather," said Martin, who added that the group attended a rehearsal of "Moses" at Sight & Sound Theatre and learned about the many different skills needed backstage. Netzley noted that she has a student who is interested in learning to operate a crane. On a tour she has planned, the business's representative will discuss education and certification and how to get students to that goal. "We have students interested in civil engineering and architecture, so there's a tour with a firm willing to talk to them about CAD design, front desk jobs, everything within an architectural/civil engineering firm," she said.

During the 2022-23 school year, Martin and Netzley organized three career fairs at the school, but next year, they hope to hold four. The first fair was focused on construction and brought an electrician, HVAC professionals, excavators, flooring specialists, and more to the school to meet about 70 students who had expressed interest in those careers. Another fair brought health and wellness professionals to the school to meet about 100 students who had interests in physical therapy, health coaching, physical training, massage, yoga, and more.

Learning what type of training is available in a specific career path is another area Martin and Netzley help students explore. The offerings at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology are on the list along with ABC Keystone near Mount Joy, which offers apprenticeship and certification programs.

The goal of the program is for each student to gain a better understanding of where their career might lie. "The aim is to have students graduate with a better idea of (options) other than just college or work," said Robbins. "All our career coaches and job trainers are exposing students so they know what the training options are going forward."