The Career Accelerator program, a groundbreaking initiative from WakeEd Partnership in collaboration with Wake County Public Schools, is set to commence on Monday, July 18th, marking a significant step forward in preparing students for future careers. This immersive two-week, full-day program is designed to provide approximately 400 rising 10th to 12th-grade students with invaluable real-world workplace learning experiences. By directly connecting students with local employers, the program aims to illuminate diverse career pathways and opportunities that await them after graduation. The overarching goal of the Career Accelerator Program Wake County is to empower students with a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and how their current academic pursuits in high school can effectively pave the way for both college and career readiness.
Students participating in the Career Accelerator program Wake County will gather daily at various high school locations across Wake County, including Apex, Cary, East Wake, Enloe, Fuquay Varina, and Panther Creek High Schools. A key component of the program involves experiential learning through workplace immersions. Every Tuesday and Thursday, students will have the unique opportunity to visit and engage with leading companies and organizations throughout the Triangle region, gaining firsthand insights into different industries and work environments. Beyond these immersive experiences, the Career Accelerator program is committed to holistic workforce development. Students will receive targeted coaching and instruction in essential professional skills, such as effective CV building, responsible social media usage, and mastering crucial interviewing techniques. To culminate the program, a final Industry Networking Event will be held on Friday, July 29th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Enloe High School, providing a platform for students to connect with participating companies and network with industry professionals.
Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership, emphasized the strong support from the local business community, stating, “The business community has really stepped up to provide these amazing workplace immersions for our students. Career Accelerator will allow students to see first-hand what kinds of jobs and careers are available and most importantly the path to get there.” This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Wake County businesses to invest in the future workforce and contribute to the career development of local students through the career accelerator program Wake County.
The Industry Networking Event at Enloe High School serves as a crucial bridge between students and businesses involved in the Career Accelerator program Wake County. Adding further value to the event, keynote remarks will be delivered by renowned author and entrepreneur Marshall Brain. Best known as the founder of HowStuffWorks.com and the author of the popular How Stuff Works book series, Brain brings a wealth of experience and insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. His background also includes hosting National Geographic channel’s Factory Floor with Marshall Brain and his current role as Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program at NC State, making him an inspiring figure for students exploring career pathways in STEM and beyond within the career accelerator program Wake County.
Poston further highlighted the broader vision of the Career Accelerator program Wake County, “One of the goals of Career Accelerator is also to show our existing employers, as well as those that are moving here for the best business climate in the country, that their future workforce is here and graduating from Wake County Public Schools.” This statement emphasizes the program’s strategic importance in fostering a strong local talent pipeline and showcasing Wake County as a prime location for businesses seeking a skilled and prepared workforce.
The diverse range of companies and organizations participating in the Career Accelerator program over the two weeks reflects the breadth of career opportunities available in Wake County and the Triangle region. Participating entities include: Alfred Williams, Amazon, Ashley Christensen Group, Bobbitt, BSA Life Structures, Chick Fil A of Wake Forest, Clark Nexsen, Delta Airlines, Duke Energy, Evoke, The Friday Institute, Gabi’s Grounds, Gensler, H.H. Architecture, IAT Insurance, J.M. Thompson, John Deere, Kasper Architects, Marbles Kids Museum, Martin Marietta, McKim & Creed, Monteith, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Department of Transportation, NC Department of Transportation: Aviation, SAMET Corp, Stewart Inc., TA Loving, Tammy Lynn Center, Touchstone 3D, TowneBank, Triangle Esports Academy, UNC-Rex Hospital, U.S. Armed Services, Wake Tech Community College, Wake County Public School System, and Wolfspeed. This extensive list showcases the robust industry engagement and the wide spectrum of career fields students will be exposed to through the career accelerator program Wake County.
In conclusion, the Career Accelerator program Wake County represents a significant investment in the future of Wake County’s youth and workforce. By providing real-world experiences, fostering crucial professional skills, and connecting students directly with industry leaders, this initiative is poised to significantly enhance career readiness and empower the next generation of professionals in the region. The program not only benefits the participating students but also strengthens the local business community by cultivating a pipeline of skilled and engaged future employees through the career accelerator program Wake County.
