By bridging education and industry, we aim to create hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities and potential career pipelines that empower students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the field.
At STL.works we do this by continually working to connect teachers and administrators to a wealth of community resources that will help students learn about potential career pathways that exist outside the realm of college. By hosting events throughout the community with our 100 RBC members, the schools are able to introduce students to the trades, certifications, apprenticeships and other opportunities that lead to well-paying meaningful careers. Participating companies represent construction, manufacturing, healthcare, public safety and technology industry sectors, to name a few.
A vital connection we have made that I would like to highlight here is with Debra Cashmere, secondary coordinator at Sumner High School. An educator for the past 19 years, 16 of them with the St. Louis Public Schools, Cashmere is all about empowering students with the skills and knowledge required to be successful in the work world, whether that be with or without a college degree.
“I always emphasize the importance of education to my students whether they take the college or skilled trades pathway,” Cashmere said. “Either way, once you are employed, there are multiple ways to advance within that career and it may require additional certification, apprenticeships or classwork.”
In the past three years, through her connection with the RBC, Cashmere has partnered with multiple RBC companies to host onsite trade days, usually averaging about three per semester. While most of the students are juniors and seniors who participate, an upcoming immersion day at Alberici Construction in Hillsdale will feature 25 sophomores.
The students will be hands-on in terms of learning to perform some basic welding activities, how to operate a crane, a backhoe, pour concrete, and more. A presentation and Q&A session will follow, along with lunch. Students will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with industry professional from the company throughout the day.
Ironically, Cashmere said the event represents a “full-circle” moment for her. While studying to become a teacher at Harris Stowe, Cashmere was selected as an ambassador for the RBC’s Young Professional Network. The network attracts young talent to and gives future leaders opportunities for networking, professional development and community involvement throughout the year.
“And here I am now, working with the RBC as a community partner to help my students connect with industry leaders, discover what they’re good at, what excites them, and provide them with clear next steps they can feel confident about in terms of their future,” she said. “I really have to give a shout out to the RBC for ensuring our students are able to continue with these types of experiences because if it wasn’t for these community partners, a lot of kids wouldn’t have this opportunity of discovery.”
