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GISD: Putting students on the
path to success
W
ith opportunities to earn
industry certifications,
college credit, internships and job
interviews, Garland ISD strives to
prepare students for a successful
future. Offering approximately 200
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
courses, students gain real-world
skills in a variety of fields. From audio/
video production to building trades
to health sciences, high schoolers
develop abilities that help drive
success.
Keeping the district’s mission in mind,
the CTE Department partnered with
the Garland Chamber of Commerce to
facilitate an on-the-job experience this
fall. More than 30 seniors from Garland,
Naaman Forest and North Garland high
schools participated in the first-ever Job
Shadow Day, gaining workplace insight
and inspiration.
“I felt very honored that I was
considered to take on such a wonderful
opportunity,” said Naaman Forest student
Savanah Reyes. “Job Shadow Day was
everything I thought it would be. I feel
you can do nothing but benefit from
this event.”
Reyes spent Job Shadow Day at
Garland-based western headwear
organization, Milano Hat Company.
The aspiring fashion marketer earned
her spot by impressing Milano
representatives during a required
interview. Other participating
organizations included the City of
Garland, GISD, Garland Police and
Fire Departments, Garland Power &
Light, Garrett Metal Detectors, Kraft
Foods Group and Plastipak Packaging.
Interviews, interests and evaluations
helped match students with their
ultimate shadow site.
T
he future-ready experience
allowed students to learn about
local organizations, explore various
professions and reflect on career goals.
“We grew in perspective,” Reyes
revealed.
“Specifically
for me,
meeting with
the designers
at Milano pushed
me even more to pursue
my career in marketing.
They were very kind
and informative, and I truly appreciate
the time they gave me.”
Opportunities like Job Shadow Day
would not be possible without the
collaboration of local establishments.
GISD is always seeking business partners
to provide one-on-one mentoring,
classroom presentations, internships
and on-the-job experience. With the
district’s new CTE Center projected to
expose students to more lines of work,
newfound industry partnerships are a
priority.
“The CTE Center will allow students
to continue studies in chosen
pathways, pursue advanced studies
and explore new interests, regardless of
their home campus,” said CTE Director
Phil Gilbreath. “Possible areas of study
include animation, architecture,
business, computer maintenance,
culinary arts, engineering, graphic
communication, firefighting, veterinary
medicine, fabrication and machining,
logistics and robotics.”
I
nterested companies that want
to help train, motivate or hire
tomorrow’s workforce can contact
the CTE Department at 972-487-3170.
On the C
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