Getting an early start on learning career skills can help kids build a better future
Current jobs are changing at a rather rapid rate, and it can be hard to predict the types of jobs that will be around in the future, as well. The speed at which new jobs and career fields may develop is also predicted to accelerate. It is for these very reasons that many schools are now convinced that career exploration, and the development of relevant skills, needs to occur at middle school grades, and perhaps even earlier.
And, that is what career training today is all about… giving students the skills they need to succeed in a hyper-flexible, ever-changing world. This, in turn, will make them more flexible and resilient people. Wondering what jobs and career paths are appropriate for middle school students to explore, to begin building strong skills? Take a look at these top recommendations…
Career #1: Yard Worker
Do you love the outdoors? Are you at your best when you are up on your feet and active? If so, then in addition to mowing lawns, yard worker jobs can include doing things like spreading mulch, pulling weeds, planting flowers and vegetables, raking leaves, and even shoveling snow. No matter what time of year it is, there are always tasks available for diligent yard workers.
Not only can being a yard worker while in middle school help teach you the skills and responsibilities of working in general, but it can also set you up for a broader career down the road, in the fields of landscaping and design.
Career #2: House Sitter
Taking on the basic responsibilities of a household, while the owners are away, can teach both the skills necessary for future jobs, and also early understandings of how a household runs. Responsibilities of a house sitter often include bringing in the mail and newspapers, watering any plants (indoors and outdoors), maintaining a pool if one is on the grounds, feeding any animals in the household, and also making sure nothing is broken and in need of repairs during your stint as a sitter.
Choosing to take up a job as a house sitter will offer the opportunity to learn multi-tasking and planning skills, organizational efforts, and how to self-initiate daily work.
Career #3: Tutor
Are there a couple of subjects at which you naturally excel in school? Then you may be able to help other students, your age and younger, that are struggling to learn. Tutoring can give you early experience in job areas and career fields pertaining to education, coaching, mentoring, and peer-to-peer activities.
As an added benefit, tutors often find that their own learning is enhanced in the very same subjects that they provide tutoring for… it is one method of learning to gain exposure to materials and subjects as a student, and it is another method of learning to teach the same materials back to someone else. This further re-enforces your own education, as well as passing knowledge on to others who need your help.
Considering enrolling your child in a Stride K12 school, for further education and career prep options and experiences? Now is the absolute best time to get started!
Want to learn more about future career readiness? Check out this Stride podcast on “How Can We Prepare Students For Careers Of The Future?”
