In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into an insightful discussion on the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, a long-standing initiative within the community that offers high school seniors a remarkable opportunity to enhance their career readiness. Daniel is joined by three enthusiastic students from the program, Aidan Pelton, Addison George, and Kollin Klang, as well as Jill Leach, the work-based learning coordinator. Their conversations shed light on how CWE provides students with practical, hands-on experiences that align with their career goals, bridging the gap between educational aspirations and real-world applications.
The CWE program, as explained by Jill Leach, begins engaging students as early as their junior year, preparing them for senior year placements. Students are introduced to a variety of career pathways through career fairs and interviews, culminating in meaningful internships within the community. The students shared their experiences, from Addison George’s role in the emergency room fueling her passion for pediatric cardiology to Aidan Pelton’s exploration of finance and law, each story reflecting a personal journey of growth and discovery.
Participating in CWE allows students to refine their career objectives, as they quickly learn what they enjoy doing and what doesn’t quite suit them. Addison highlights the impact of experiencing an ER environment, which solidified her healthcare ambitions. Meanwhile, Aidan and Kollin are discovering facets of marketing and finance that resonate with their long-term career plans. This practical exposure enables students to navigate their futures with confidence, mitigating the costly trial-and-error that often occurs when career decisions are deferred until college.
Beyond individual benefits, Daniel and the guests discuss the broader value CWE brings to the community. Businesses not only gain fresh perspectives and skills from energetic young minds, but they also play a pivotal role in nurturing potential future employees who might return after completing their studies. This reciprocal relationship fosters a sense of community pride and continuity, effectively contributing to the local economy and workforce.
As the episode concludes, the key takeaway is clear: CWE is a beneficial program for both students and employers, creating a collaborative win-win situation. It highlights the importance of dedication, work ethic, and curiosity in the workplace, suggesting that with the right mindset, high school students can significantly contribute to their community while crafting their career paths. This episode of “Living in McKenzie County” not only encourages students to embrace available opportunities early on but also urges local businesses to actively participate and support the next generation of professionals.
‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Daniel Stenberg, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. It is produced and directed by Brock White, City of Watford City Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
