"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CNTLJP Participate in National Job Shadow 2009

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Do you have an interesting job or workplace that you are willing to share with a local student for one day? Cherokee Nation Talking Leaves Job Corps (TLJC) will join thousands of employers and students around the country on Monday, February 2, “Groundhog Day,” to pair its students with community businesses for a special day of mentorship. It’s all part of the national Job Shadow 2009 initiative, designed to engage students in the world of work by matching student “shadows” with local workplace mentors to introduce students to the workplace.

Joyce Rose, Cherokee Nation TLJC business community liaison, says the initiative is fun and provides an invaluable workplace experience to TLJC’s students. “Job Shadow day provides a unique opportunity to make the world of work come alive for our students and that is what Job Corps is all about,” said Rose.

Students will be paired with Tahlequah area businesses and organizations. Benefits for participating employers include helping to prepare the future workforce and demonstrating a tangible effort toward supporting and improving your community.

According to the web site http://www.jobshadow.org, Job Shadow is an academically motivating activity designed to give students the unique opportunity of an up-close look at the world of work. Beginning with a nationwide kickoff on February 2, 2009, and continuing throughout the school year, students across America will “shadow” workplace mentors as they go through a normal day on the job. Job Shadow 2009 is led by the National Job Shadow Coalition.

Cherokee Nation Talking Leaves Job Corps is an Indian preference vocational training facility for Native American youth and others from all parts of the United States. The Tahlequah-based facility is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Job Corps program and one of only four Job Corps facilities located in Oklahoma. In operation through the Cherokee Nation since 1978, the Talking Leaves facility serves approximately 400 students each year. Cherokee Nation TLJC offers students the opportunity to earn a certificate in one of the following fields: Business Office Technology, Health Occupations, Electrical Wiring, Culinary Arts, Facilities Maintenance, and Materials Handling. Students may also earn their GED while enrolled if they enter the program without a high school diploma. The national Job Corps program has been training young adults for meaningful careers since 1964.

For more information on having a Cherokee Nation TLJC student job shadow at your organization or business, call 918-207-3303 or 918-822-7786.