Dummerston 8th Graders Explore Career Pathways

“Find your passion and work really hard” was the big take-away for Dummerston eighth grade students, after BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) completed a Second Annual Career Spotlight.

Dummerston’s guidance counselor, Nicole Thompson, collaborated with P3 to host a career panel Q&A for young students poised to enter their first year of high school. Four employment sectors were represented –  agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and economic development.

One of the panelists was Louisa Conrad, owner of Big Picture Farm. Louisa discussed the benefits and drawbacks of owning her own business. She told students the ability to work as a team was an important transferable skill needed to be a successful employee at the farm. Stephanie Bonin, Executive Director of Brattleboro’s Downtown Business Association (and restaurateur) discussed her role at the Economic Security Project. Stephanie highlighted the importance of strategic thinking while promoting social justice initiatives.

Ingrid Chrisco, owner of True North Granola, emphasized the importance of speaking, listening, reading, and writing to be successful in any career. And Tracy Treadwell, who is a talent acquisition specialist at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, told students that job applicants who stand out have the ability to listen and easily engage in conversation.

Each panelist  underscored the importance of liking what you do for a living. “When you find what you love, you’re constantly challenged and never bored,” said Stephanie.

Career Spotlights are organized through BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program. P3 provides employment oriented career-planning for the region’s high school students. It brings training in 21st Century skills, work-based learning, and personal learning plan (PLP) engagement opportunities to all four public high schools in Windham County. The program assists in developing workforce-oriented curricula, expanding classroom relationships, and growing work-based learning through opportunities with local employers. It also supports teachers working face to face with students to implement personal learning plans and seize the myriad opportunities presented by Vermont’s Flexible Pathways Initiative under Act 77. Pipelines & Pathways is a BDCC Workforce Center of Excellence program based on SeVEDS strategies to increase the size and quality of the workforce. For more information please visit https://brattleborodevelopment.com/workforce/