SPEA students climb their way up to explore the West Basin Container Terminal and Port of LA.
Spring break 2013 will be another one for the records for ITEP students. “Time off” for our high schoolers meant more than just beach time, movie dates or sleeping in. A total of 60 students from three ITEP-supported academies at Carson, San Pedro and Phineas Banning High Schools, set a new attendance record in the most unlikely of spring break destinations – the business world in their backyards.
ITEP’s Second Annual Job Shadow Day took place on March 25, 2013. Students spent five hours shadowing and learning from technicians, researchers, engineers, and management in the trade, transportation and logistics industries. ITEP Advisory Board Members welcomed students at 16 different facilities. Among them were Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, CalScience Environmental Laboratories, City of Carson, JMC2 Engineering, Ports America, US Coast Guard, Valero Wilmington Refinery, Watson Land Company, West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT), and Yusen Logistics.
GBAC student learns about Watson Land Company operations and industrial development.
Students climbed cranes at Ports America terminals, observed the US Coast Guard’s canines in action and participated in local government meetings, just to name a few of the exciting hands-on opportunities.
“This Job Shadow Program was very beneficial to me because it gave me an insight to the various positions within NOAA that I didn’t know about,” stated Talore, SPEA senior who visited NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). “It definitely opened my eyes to the different career opportunities and possibilities that are available.”
“My favorite part of the site visit was seeing a trained dog in action finding explosives,” said Osvaldo, SPEA junior who spent his day with the US Coast Guard. “I learned a lot of the different ranks in the USCG, and I’ve gotten a clear view of what I would be interested in doing when I join.”
Students prepared for the annual event by completing four workshops on resume writing, job application and cover letter basics, and interviewing skills. The final round involved interviews conducted by ITEP industry Advisory Board Members. The preparation paid off well in the end.
“The students were all professionally dressed and attentive,” stated Mary Gutierrez, GESA Advisory Board Member from Valero Wilmington Refinery. “We enjoyed hosting them and look forward to doing it again next year… I’m impressed with the way ITEP instills in their students the confidence to be comfortable around authority figures.”
GESA students became scientists at CalScience Environmental Laboratories.
After exploring the Port of Los Angeles with West Basin Container Terminal, San Pedro student, Uriel reported, “I now know the basics of how they keep the port running, and how it comes together like a puzzle.”
How many high school students have the opportunity to don hard hats and walk among cranes and containers to view the inner workings of our global trade infrastructure? How many students get to see the relevance of their science and math classes as they examine petri dishes and work alongside lab scientists? How many of our 16-year-olds get the chance to sit in the corner office and consult with top-level executives? Not enough!
However, thanks to the support of our industry and school partners, and the hardworking ITEP team, 60 students were able to obtain an in-depth look into some of the most exciting and lucrative jobs in their communities and beyond. The exploration begins at the local level – in a city’s backyard – and leads to a global path and career. Join us in making more discoveries happen!
Contact us today to host a future Job Shadow Day , or ask how you can help create additional college and career dreams.
Ports America welcomed our GESA students with open arms – thank you!
To view more photos from ITEP’s Second Annual Job Shadow Day, head over to our Facebook Page.
ITEP - International Trade Education Programs 