Career services help new grads start strong

Terri Thomas

Across the Lincoln Trail region, thousands of high school seniors are counting down the days to graduation and the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Whether that next chapter is the start of a career or post-secondary education or training, the Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT) wants new graduates to know about free services that can help them start strong.

We know this new phase comes with a level of uncertainty and many questions. What careers are in high local demand? What training and education programs lead to a high-demand career? How can my resume stand out despite limited work experience? What should I anticipate in job interviews? The career center staff is here to answer all these questions and more.

Because we work hand-in-hand with local employers on an ongoing basis, our staff is particularly well suited to help those new to the workforce develop a job search strategy and find the right opportunities.

In addition, career center staff can help young job seekers determine if they are eligible for tuition assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Qualifying young adults up to age 24 who are not currently enrolled in school may receive up to $4,000.

Here in Marion County, the career center is a proud partner of Project Graduation. This initiative, organized by parents of Marion County High School seniors, allows students to earn points that can be redeemed for cash prizes during a safe post-graduation celebration.

One way students can earn points is to attend a workshop at KCC-LT in Lebanon. At the workshop, students learn about career center services. From something as simple as proofreading a job application to identifying resources to remove barriers to employment, our no-cost services cover almost anything related to going to work.

Students also learn about this region’s high-demand career sectors such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

“The workshop helps seniors who don’t know what they’re going to do,” said Jaron Morris, a student who recently attended the workshop.

Morris plans to start a career in maintenance, an exceptionally high-demand field that offers many local opportunities. He hopes to begin training through the Kentucky FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) in the fall.

Career center staff also provides a wide range of job search tips to the visiting seniors.

For example, we discuss the importance of researching the hiring company when applying for a position. Job seekers who know about the company’s products or services, its customers or its history are not only equipped to better determine if the company is a good fit, but they also are equipped to stand out during an interview.

We also review a job search checklist, which includes a variety of items job seekers may overlook. For instance, it’s important to use a professional email address and voicemail greeting.

With graduation season upon us, we share in the excitement of celebrating students’ accomplishments and planning for new beginnings. Whether a student is interested in immediately joining the workforce full-time or is looking for summer work experience before starting college, these new beginnings often include searching for a job and planning for a career, perhaps for the first time. For new grads, and all job seekers, KCC-LT is here to help prepare for the next step. Congratulations, Class of 2017!

Terri Thomas is a Client Services Manager for Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail in Lebanon. She can be reached at (270) 692-6870 or terri.thomas@ky.gov.