This week, Pleasant Valley Community School District is proud to join the nationwide celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships offer invaluable hands-on learning experiences, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application. Through partnerships with local businesses and industries, PV students gain meaningful work experience and build career skills that prepare them for future success.
Pleasant Valley's apprenticeship program, coordinated by Mary Johnson, connects students with opportunities to explore career paths, develop technical skills, and gain confidence in professional settings. By pairing academics with work-based learning, these programs help students transition smoothly into the workforce or further their education.
We connected with Mary Johnson, PV’s Career Coordinator, to learn more about the district’s apprenticeship program:
PVCSD: How have you seen students benefit from participating in apprenticeships, both in terms of skills and personal growth?
Mary Johnson: Students gain confidence in their skills. Students are more cognizant of the skills needed, and more importantly, understand why those skills are crucial in the work world. They’ve made connections with business people and college staff who have become mentors. These mentors have been able to guide students into opportunities and education that connect to the students’ long-term goals.
PVCSD: What unique opportunities or partnerships have been particularly impactful for PV’s apprenticeship program?
Mary Johnson: Having Arconic willing to host students was a key to get the program started at PV. Installing the machining equipment at the HS allows more students in that field - it takes away the barrier of transportation to the Blong Tech Center. Finally having parents, staff and students understand that all the opportunities provided can lead to a variety of future postsecondary plans supports students' willingness to participate in, and succeed in these programs.
PVCSD: What advice would you give to students considering an apprenticeship to help them make the most of this experience?
Mary Johnson: First, as 9th & 10th graders - explore your options, try-out classes and career activities offered at the high school. Then realize that apprenticeships are opportunities that have work/college expectations, the workplace skills being taught in the classroom are critical to their success.