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Operation Job Preparation

Handbook

For more information, please visit operationjobpreparation.weebly.com.

Table of Contents:
Job Shadowing Overview and Rules

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What the Student/Parent/Guardian is Responsible for

Student Information/Agreement

Student Resume

Introductory Questions

Student Evaluation Form

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Thank-You Letter

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Parent Information

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Parent/Guardian Consent

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Medical Release Form

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Benefits of OPERATION JOB PREPARATION for employers

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Employer Information

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Employer Guidelines

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Employer Evaluation

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What is Job Shadowing?

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Job shadowing is an activity which allows a student to spend time in the workplace with
a person who has a job that is of interest to the student. OPERATION JOB PREPARATION is a
student-led program. Our goal is to pave the way for the future workforce by giving any qualified
student an opportunity to get a better idea of what career path they might be interested in
pursuing
Why is Job Shadowing so important?
It allows students to connect with adults in career fields of their interest and
experience the workplace and workday first hand
Demonstrate the connection between academics and careers, encouraging
students to learn by making their class work more relevant
Build community partnerships between students and businesses that enhance
the educational experience for students
Introduce students to the requirements of professions and industries to help them
prepare to join todays workforce
Encourage an ongoing relationship between young people and caring adults
Why would students want to participate?
Students can have the opportunity to spend the day with someone who does something
that they think is interesting. They will get a first hand, up close view of what it is really like to be
in that job, and they will have a great opportunity to ask questions about what it takes to be in
that job.
What about transportation?
We request that the actual job shadowing take place after school hours. Transportation
is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Participation in the program is voluntary.
The school is not directly supervising, controlling, or providing the students transportation.
Behavior:
We expect all students to follow all South Warren High School and Warren County Public
Schools guidelines. Be professional!
Appropriate behavior at the workplace is important whether you are participating in a
job shadow or you are a permanent employee. The following tips will help you have a
successful experience at the worksite:
1. Be honest.
2. Have a positive attitude be friendly, courteous, polite and cooperative
with workers and clients.
3. Be reliable and prompt.
4. Notify your job shadow host and the school if you are going to be late or
absent.
5. If you do not understand something, ask questions or ask for help. It is
better to admit you are learning than to make a costly mistake.
6. Respond positively to constructive criticism.
7. Take responsibility for your actions.
8. Give your best effort at all times.
9. Challenge yourself to be a lifelong learner.
10. Always be open to change.

General Rules
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, smoking, or substances of any kind at the worksite will not be
tolerated. Also, no type of weapons should be present at the worksite. Refrain from public
displays of affection while at the shadowing. You will be representing SWHS, so please do so
appropriately..
The purpose of doing a job shadowing is to experience what a job might be like. In order
to do this, students should be focused without distractions. Please do not be on your cellphone
during a job shadowing. Keep it put away at all times.
Dress Code:
The members of OPERATION JOB PREPARATION will try to contact you before your
job shadowing to give you an idea of what might be appropriate workplace clothing. Proper
attire depends on where you are doing the job shadowing, but please make sure it is
appropriate for the workplace.
Student Rights, Responsibilities and Labor Laws
Since job shadows are part of a school organization, students must follow the guidelines
about rights and responsibilities. Following is an overview. In addition, Federal Child Labor Laws
outline some parameters for school safety.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Discrimination
As with all employees, no partner in a School-to-Work program may treat a student
differently because of national origin, race, religion, economic status, disability, gender, or
sexual orientation.
Drug Use
Students must follow the DRUG FREE rules of the South Warren High School:
Possession, use, sale, distribution, or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled
substances is prohibited.
Attendance Policy
Students must report to the worksite on time, every day they are scheduled to do so.
Infractions should be reported to the school job shadow coordinator.
Child Labor Laws
The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FFLSA) protects the rights, safety, and well-being
of youngsters. It applies to students who are at workplaces if, according to the law, they are in
an employment relationship. The laws may differ at state and federal levels. Whenever one
encounters a discrepancy, it's important to know that the more stringent regulation applies.
Employers may wish to seek legal counsel if there is a possibility that students in job shadows
could be considered employed under the law. Even when there is no employment relationship, it
is wise to adhere to child labor laws.

If students are under 18 they can not: operate power-driven machinery climb ladders or work on
scaffolding or roofs before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
If students are under 16 they can not: load or unload trucks work in transportation, warehouse,
storage, or construction jobs.
If you have any questions about appropriate job tasks, please contact us through our email:
operationjobpreparation1@gmail.com
Legal Issues and Insurance Information
When employers welcome young people into their work environments, they offer
opportunities for the students, our future workforce, to gain information about the skills needed
in different fields. Before you invite students into your workplace, there are some legal and
insurance issues of which you should be aware.
Injuries On the Job
If a student is injured at your worksite, be sure that you or a co-worker calls the school
job shadow coordinator immediately. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary. If the injury
is not serious, the student may go to his/her own doctor. All injuries, including minor ones, must
be reported to the school immediately.
Non-Discrimination
Employers must follow the school district policies with respect for all races and cultures.
Students from diverse backgrounds-young men and women of different race, culture, ethnicity
and learning style-will participate in job shadows.
Harassment: Sexual and Racial
Employers should uphold policies and procedures for addressing sexual and racial
harassment. All policies that apply to employees should apply to students in job shadows during
their experience at the job site. Employers must make it clear that harassment is a serious
matter and will not be tolerated. It is important to protect the rights of the students at the
workplace and create a safe and supportive environment for learning.

What is the STUDENT responsible for?

You will be asked to complete all forms. This information is for program use only and will
not be shared with any other organization, group or person outside of South Warren High
School and the business in which you are shadowing.

Reading the Handbook

Student Information/Agreement Form
Student Resume
Introductory Questions
Student Evaluation Form
Student Thank-You Letter

What is the PARENT/GUARDIAN responsible for?

You will be asked to complete all forms. This information is for program use only and will
not be shared with any other organization, group or person outside of South Warren High
School and the business in which you are shadowing.

Reading the Handbook

Parent Information
Parent/Guardian Consent
Medical Release Form

What is the EMPLOYER responsible for?

You will be asked to complete all forms. This information is for program use only and will
not be shared with any other organization, group or person outside of South Warren High
School.

Reading all portions of employer portion of the handbook

Employer Information Form
Employer Guidelines
Employer Evaluation

STUDENT INFORMATION/AGREEMENT
Job Shadowing is an opportunity and a privilege. Many professionals in our community are
willing to have a student(s) spend time with them so that the student will be able to get a first
hand view of the workplace. If you want to participate in the opportunity, please complete the
following information and agreement, and return to ____________.

NAME: __________________________________
GRADE: ___________________
EMAIL: _________________________________________________
CAREERS/INDUSTRIES OF INTEREST:

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Please give first, second, and third choice.
1. ___________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________

AGREEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
I understand that in order to participate in job shadowing I am responsible for the following:

Turning in an agreement form, a resume form, and a signed parent consent form.
Getting signed approval from teachers if necessary.
Being responsible for my own transportation.
Calling the day before the job shadowing activity to confirm.
Dressing and conducting myself in an appropriate manner.
Sending a thank you letter within one week of the experience.
Completing any follow up assignments/activities as required.

Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________

STUDENT RESUME:
NAME: ______________________________________ GRADE LEVEL: ___________
CAREER INTERESTS:
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
JOB EXPERIENCE:
List three job experience you have had. You may include baby-sitting, paper routes, yard work,
washing cars, etc.
JOB DESCRIPTION
DATES
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL SKILLS:

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List what skills you already have to be successful on the job, such as computer skills, good
communication, using a calculator, etc.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES:
List any clubs, hobbies, and interests you have, such as music, sports, art, computers, nature,
material arts, video games, etc.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
List any community service you have done within the last year. You can use Beta/NHS hours.
Please include the approximate date.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
______
PLANS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____

INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS:
1. What is your job title?
2. What are your responsibilities?
3. How did you come to be in this job?
4. What is a typical day like for you?
5. What do you like most about your job?
6. What education and training did you need to get this job?
7. What hours do you normally work?
8. What kinds of problems can arise on a job like this?
9. What do you like least about your job?
10. How would you recommend for someone to prepare to be in this type of
profession?
QUESTIONS ABOUT JOB SKILLS:
1. What did you learn in high school that has helped you most in this job?
2. How do you use the following skills in your job

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Reading
Writing
Math
Computer skills
Listening skills
Speaking skills, public speaking
3. What types of teamwork or collaboration do you do?
4. What kinds of problems do you need to solve on the job? What skills do you need to solve
them?
5. What do you wish you had studied more in school?
Write any other questions you wish to ask:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
__________

STUDENT EVALUATION
NAME: _________________________________________________
SCHOOL: ______________________________________________
GRADE LEVEL: _________
Thank you for participating in OPERATION JOB PREPARATION! Please complete this brief
evaluation of your experience so that we can continue to improve this experience for others.
Rate the following on a scale from 1 to 6.
1 = Strongly disagree
6= Strongly agree
I learned how much education is needed for this profession.
1 2 3 4 5
I learned what skills are required to do this job.
1 2 3 4 5
I enjoyed my workplace experience.
1 2
4 5 6
I would recommend Job Shadowing to other students.
1 2 3 4 5
What did you enjoy about this experience?

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6
3
6

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What problems did you encounter?

What would have made this a better experience for you?

What was the most interesting thing you learned?

Any additional comments?

STUDENT THANK YOU LETTER SAMPLE

It is important to thank the person who you have Job Shadowed. Your letter does not have to be
lengthy. However, it should be sincere and personal. Please mail it out no later than one week
after your Job Shadow experience. Be sure to have an adult proof read the letter before you
send it out!

SAMPLE LETTER
DATE (do not abbreviate)
Mr./Ms. __________________
Business Address
Complete Address
Dear ______________________________ ,
Thank you for taking time to meet with me (yesterday/the date). I found it interesting to
learn more about you and your (job, career, profession, industry, company). The most
interesting thing that I learned was. I especially (liked appreciated, was impressed by,
enjoyed, was surprised by).
This was a valuable experience for me because(list three or four reasons). It was very
thoughtful of you to ..

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Again thank you for helping me with my career exploration.

Sincerely,
Your Name Your School

PARENT INFORMATION:
JOB SHADOWING is an opportunity and a privilege. Many professionals in our
community are willing to have a student(s) spend time with them at work.
This opportunity will:
Allow students to connect with an adult in a career field of their interest and
experience the workplace and workday first hand.
Demonstrate the connection between academics and careers, encouraging
students to learn by making their class work more relevant.
Build community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance the
educational experience of all students.
Introduce students to the requirements of professions and industries to help them
prepare to join the workforce of the 21st century.
Encourage an ongoing relationship between young people and caring adults.
I would like to support OPERATION JOB PREPARATION by:
_____ Endorsing and promoting this activity on behalf of my...
Business: ____________________________________________________________________
District: ______________________________________________________________________
Government Agency: __________________________________________________________
_____ Allowing myself to be shadowed.
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Profession: __________________________________________________________________

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Phone: ______________________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT
Your son or daughter has applied and has been accepted to do a Job Shadowing experience.
This activity is considered a field trip. In order to participate, this form must be filled out, signed
and returned to the appropriate person at your school.

Permission to Participate in Worksite Job Shadowing

My son/daughter, _______________________________________________________, may
participate in a Job Shadowing experience, which will take place on __________________
between the hours of ________________ and _______________ at
____________________________________________________________________________.

Permission to Travel to the Worksite

I understand that my son/daughter will travel to the worksite. I will be responsible for arranging
transportation. WARREN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS/ SOUTH WARREN HIGH SCHOOL IS
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION.

Photo Release
I understand that Job Shadowing may attract attention from the media and is also used to
promote partnerships between schools and employers, so there is a possibility that students
may be photographed during their experience.
I grant permission to photograph my son/daughter, __________________________________
for promotional/educational purposes.
OPERATION JOB PREPARATION will check to see if the professional has had a background
check through their work, however we can NOT ensure that the professional has had a
background check. I understand this and am are that Warren County Public Schools/South
Warren High School is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or . I am also aware that
OPERATION JOB PREPARATION is a student-led program.

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Job Shadow Day is a school activity and students shall therefore abide by all SWHS rules,
practices, and agreements at all times, from the time they leave until the time they return.
Students shall dress in accordance with high school dress code policy and in a
way that suits the workplace.
The undersigned understands there is an inherent risk in participating in
community and work-based learning activities and agree to hold harmless both
the school district and the learning site for any accidents or injuries occurring
during placement.
I hereby understand that my son/daughter part of the job shadow experience and
assume all risks, hazards, and injuries incidental to such participation and do
hereby waive, release, absolve and agree to hold harmless the learning/work site
and SWHS and WCPS from any claim arising out of an injury to my child.
I understand that some learning/work sites may include travel. This travel is NOT
provided by SWHS or WCPS but rather by the learning/work site and therefore
SWHS and WCPS will not be liable for their negligent acts.
The parent/guardian and student understand that even though these experiences are non-paid,
the student may perform work-related activities. School personnel may not have visited the
worksite, met the hosts, nor be present when the student is on site.

I have read the handbook and am aware of all the guidelines. I, as parent or legal
guardian of the above-named student, hereby agree to the conditions of
participation in the job shadow program.

___________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian

_________________
Date

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Medical Release Form

This form will be given to the person you are shadowing and be kept in OPERATION JOB
PREPARATIONs records.
Name of student: ______________________________________________
Birthday: __________________________ Sex: ___________
Medications: _________________________________________________________________
Allergies: ____________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Information:

Name: _______________________________________ Relationship to Student: ___________
Phone: ____________________________ Alternate Phone Number: ____________________
Name: _______________________________________ Relationship to Student: ___________
Phone: ____________________________ Alternate Phone Number: ____________________

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Benefits of OPERATION JOB PREPARATION for Employers

Encouraging qualified entry-level workers.
Working with students can help expand the pool of job applicants and reduce
training costs.
Promotion of positive public image. Playing a visible role in the partnership with
schools and students helps maintain positive community relations. Fulfillment of civic
responsibility. Employers in the non-profit sector often have as part of their charter an
obligation to serve the community.
Increased company morale. The enthusiasm of young people frequently has a
positive impact on employees.
Tax credits. Some states provide tax credits for working with young people and
providing workplace opportunities for them. State employment and education agencies
have information about the circumstances which apply.
Investment in the future. The time and attention given to young people today
gives them a clearer sense of the demands, opportunities and responsibilities associated
with being a productive citizen.
Personal satisfaction. Being involved with students is rewarding; it is exciting to
help a young person discover and learn about the world outside school.

What is the employers role?

As a job shadow host, do your regular daily work while talking about it with the student. Help
the student understand how your job fits into the company by visiting other departments and
describing how you work with other employees. If the student has job shadow assignments,
allow him or her time to complete them.

What does the employer do during the shadow?

For many students a job shadow is a first tangible step into the real world-of-work. Following are
some suggestions to consider when you act as a job shadow host:
Be yourself. This is essential. The student needs to see what the world-of-work
is really like. Take him or her on a brief tour of your business, then just do what you
would do on an average day. Throughout the job shadow, explain the skills,
responsibilities, education and training required by your job.
Engage the student in active learning. If possible, let the student do some
hands-on tasks related to your work, such as attending and taking minutes at a meeting,
helping with a mailing or doing a discrete task on the computer. The purpose is not to
train, but to give the student a feeling for some of the activities in your day. There are
also non-work activities that can give the student a feel for the work environment, such
as eating lunch in the cafeteria or accompanying workers on a break.
Explain the important aspects of your work and how they relate to other
jobs in the company. Share insights about your work and how it fits in with the
company as a whole. Why is your work important? How do other people influence your
ability to do your job? Bring up these subjects as you walk through different
departments, take phone calls, or attend meetings. As you introduce the student to coworkers, explain how your work relates to theirs.

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Explain how the work of your company affects the local community. Put the
work of your business in the larger perspective of the community. What products or
services does it provide local customers? What environmental concerns does the
company have to be aware of? Does the workforce of the company reflect the
demographics of the local community?
Answer the student's questions as best you can. While at school, the student
will prepare questions for the job shadow: "What kind of training would I need to do your
job?" "What do you like most about your job? "What kinds of equipment do you use? Be
frank when answering the students questions. If a question makes you uncomfortable or
is inappropriate, explain that you prefer not to answer. If it regards confidential matters,
explain your company's policy on proprietary information. If you do not know the answer
to something, suggest ways the student might research the answer.
Be patient. For many students, going to a job shadow is the first time they
independently leave the comfort zone of school. Being in a new setting around unfamiliar
adults may make them more shy or nervous than they would ordinarily be. Be patient
and supportive during the job shadow; listen carefully to what the student has to say and
encourage him or her to ask questions.
Provide information requested by the school. Generally, the school will want
background information about you and your workplace before the job shadow and will
ask you to evaluate the experience when it is over. Supplying this information is
essential to maintaining and improving job shadow experiences for students, you, and
other employers in the future.

EMPLOYER INFORMATION
JOB SHADOWING:
Allows students to connect with an adult in a career field of their interest and
experience the workplace and workday first hand.
Demonstrates the connection between academics and careers, encouraging
students to learn by making their class work more relevant.
Builds community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance
the educational experience of all students.
Introduces students to the requirements of professions and industries to help
them prepare to join the workforce of the 21st century.

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Encourages an ongoing relationship between young people and caring adults.

I would like to support Job Shadowing by:

_____ Endorsing and promoting this activity on behalf of my...
Business: ____________________________________________________________
District: ______________________________________________________________
Government Agency: ___________________________________________________

_____ Allowing myself to be shadowed.

Name: ____________________________________________________
Profession: ________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________
Fax: ______________________________________________________

EMPLOYER GUIDELINES:
NAME: __________________________________________________________
COMPANY: __________________________________________________________________

Thank you for allowing __________________________ to shadow you on

S M T W Th F S _______________________________.
(circle day)

Date

Time: ________ to ________. He/she will be calling you the day before to confirm (or
cancel if necessary). If you should have questions of last minute changes please
contact the coordinator for this event:

____________________________________
Coordinators Name

_________________________
Email

Please find attached:

Guidelines and suggestions for a successful experience

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The students resume

A list of questions that the student has been given

Purpose of Job Shadowing:

Allow students to connect with an adult in a career field of their interest and
experience the workplace and workday first hand.
Demonstrates the connection between academics and careers, encouraging
students to learn by making their class work more relevant.
Builds community partnerships between schools and businesses that enhance
the educational experience of all students.
Introduces students to the requirements of professions and industries to help
them prepare to join the workforce of the 21st century.
Encourages an ongoing relationship between young people and caring adults.
Guidelines and Suggestions:
Plan for the time that you will spend with your student to best fit your schedule.
Please allow some time for the following:
-showing the student around the workplace.
- answering some of the interviewing questions.
- an opportunity for the student to shadow you while you work.
- hands-on experience if appropriate.
Many of the students will be nervous at first, and it is important that you set the tone and
explain the schedule for the time you will be spending together. Since you will have the
students rsum
ahead of time, you will have of sense of his/her interests and can use these as topics for
icebreaker questions.

EMPLOYER EVALUATION:
NAME: _________________________________________________
PLACE OF WORK: _______________________________________________
JOB TITLE: ___________________________________________________
NAME OF STUDENT: __________________________________________________
Thank you for participating in OPERATION JOB PREPARATION!
Please complete this brief evaluation of your experience so that we can continue to improve this
experience for others.
Rate the following on a scale from 1 to 6.
1 = Strongly disagree
6= Strongly agree
I enjoyed this experience and would be willing to do it again.
I was at ease interacting with my student.
I gained a new perspective about my job.
I would recommend job shadowing to my co-workers.
The job shadow was planned in a timely manner.
The information and/or orientation were useful.

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The Employer Handbook was useful.
Student confirmed job shadow in a timely manner
Student was punctual
Students dress and appearance were appropriate
The student was well-mannered and polite
Student displayed a positive attitude
Student asked appropriate questions
Student asked about skills needed for the job
Student followed directions
Student displayed interest
What made this a positive experience for you?

What obstacles did you encounter?

What would have made this a better experience for you?

Any additional comments?

Are you interested in hosting any future job shadowings?

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