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Charlotte County Public Schools

Employed: Preparing for Career & Workforce Success

Portrait of a Graduate - The 3 E's

Employed

 

Preparing for Career & Workforce Success

 

The Employed pathway can help students explore careers, develop workplace skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for employment after graduation. Preparation can begin as early as middle school as students discover their interests, strengths, and talents.

The information below provides suggested actions students and families may consider along the way. Schools and community partners can also provide opportunities, resources, and support. A student's plans may change as new interests and opportunities develop.

Your Employed Checklist

Required for Turnkey Readiness

Students preparing for the Employed pathway complete the following required activities and submit the identified evidence as they work toward becoming turnkey ready for career and workforce success.

Grade Required Task Evidence Due
9th Complete “About Me” in Xello Completion in Xello Q2
11th Research two potential jobs, workplace skills, job fairs, networking opportunities, and industries Research form in Focus Q3
12th Create a résumé showing education, experiences, and skills Résumé submitted in Focus Q1
12th Ask a teacher, counselor, or community leader for a letter of recommendation One letter submitted in Focus Q1
12th Write an effective cover letter tailored to the job Cover letter submitted in Focus Q2
12th Obtain at least one industry certification Certificate uploaded to Focus Q2

Recommended

  • Explore work-based learning opportunities while in high school.
  • Practice common interview questions and scenarios.
  • Obtain appropriate attire for job interviews.

Preparing for the Employed Pathway

Preparing for the Employed Pathway

 

Career preparation develops over time. The suggested actions below can help students explore interests, build workplace skills, gain experience, and prepare for future employment. Required Employed Checklist items are identified separately in the checklist above.

Stage Focus & Key Actions
6th Grade
  • Build strong attendance, responsibility, organization, and work habits.
  • Explore interests through electives, clubs, sports, and other activities.
  • Begin connecting personal interests and strengths to different careers.
  • Use Xello and other career-exploration opportunities to learn about future options.
7th Grade
  • Explore careers connected to personal interests, talents, and strengths.
  • Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time-management, and responsibility skills.
  • Learn how school subjects and academic skills connect to different careers.
  • Participate in clubs, activities, volunteer experiences, or other opportunities that build interests and skills.
8th Grade
  • Complete required 8th-grade Xello career-readiness activities.
  • Participate in the Middle School Career Fair and explore different industries and careers.
  • Explore high school programs connected to career interests, including CTE programs and industry certifications.
  • Research course options at your future high school that may support career goals.
  • Begin identifying whether the Employed pathway aligns with your current interests and future plans.
9th Grade
  • Understand graduation requirements and begin building a four-year high school plan.
  • Complete or update the “About Me” section in Xello.
  • Explore career fields through electives, clubs, sports, and career-focused activities.
  • Develop reliability, punctuality, communication, teamwork, and other professional habits.
  • Begin maintaining a record of activities, volunteer experiences, awards, achievements, and work experiences.
10th Grade
  • Explore CTE courses and programs that provide hands-on career preparation and industry certifications.
  • Strengthen communication, teamwork, reliability, and professional behavior.
  • Learn workplace expectations, including professional dress, email communication, and interactions with supervisors.
  • Explore job-shadowing, career-awareness activities, and other opportunities to learn directly from professionals.
  • Update your record of activities, leadership roles, achievements, and experiences.
11th Grade
  • Research at least two potential jobs or career pathways that match your interests and strengths.
  • Learn about workplace skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, and professionalism.
  • Attend job fairs, career events, or networking opportunities to meet employers and learn about local industries.
  • Pursue work-based learning through internships, part-time employment, job-shadowing, or similar experiences.
  • Develop or update a professional résumé and begin drafting a tailored cover letter.
  • Consider earning an entry-level industry certification while still in high school.
  • Begin building a professional network by connecting with adults in the community and workplace.
12th Grade
  • Begin an active job search using local job boards, company websites, career resources, and professional connections.
  • Apply for jobs, apprenticeships, or other employment opportunities that match your interests and skills.
  • Finalize a professional one-page résumé that highlights certifications, work experience, and key skills.
  • Finalize a cover letter tailored to a specific job opportunity and ask an adult to provide feedback.
  • Identify references who can speak to your character, reliability, and abilities.
  • Earn at least one industry certification and maintain documentation of the credential.
  • Practice interviewing and prepare appropriate attire for job interviews.
Post-Graduation
  • Begin employment, an apprenticeship, or another career-training opportunity.
  • Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, communication, teamwork, and strong work habits.
  • Continue developing job-specific skills through employer training, certifications, or continuing education.
  • Build professional relationships and seek opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility.

Employed Pathway: Shared Actions & Support

 

Preparing to enter the workforce can be a shared effort involving students, families, schools, and community partners. The information below highlights suggested actions and areas of support that may help students prepare for employment, apprenticeships, and other career opportunities after graduation.

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Career Exploration
    • Explore career interests and strengths
    • Research careers and local industries
    • Participate in career fairs and exploration activities
    • Discuss career interests and strengths
    • Share career experiences and connections
    • Encourage exploration of multiple career options
    • Provide career inventories and exploration resources
    • Host career fairs and employer events
    • Connect students with community and industry partners

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Academics &
    Career Preparation
    • Work toward graduation requirements
    • Explore CTE and career-focused courses
    • Pursue industry certifications when appropriate
    • Monitor academic progress
    • Support course and career-pathway choices
    • Encourage completion of certifications and training
    • Provide academic and career advising
    • Offer CTE and career-focused opportunities
    • Provide access to industry certification opportunities when available

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Employability
    Skills
    • Practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
    • Develop reliability, punctuality, and professional habits
    • Practice résumé writing and interviewing
    • Reinforce responsibility and strong work habits
    • Practice professional communication and interviewing
    • Discuss workplace expectations and professional conduct
    • Teach employability and workplace-readiness skills
    • Provide résumé and interview preparation
    • Reinforce professional expectations through career experiences

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Work-Based
    Learning
    • Explore internships and job-shadowing opportunities
    • Consider part-time employment or work-based learning
    • Build professional relationships and references
    • Encourage appropriate workplace experiences
    • Help identify community and employer connections
    • Support transportation and scheduling when possible
    • Develop partnerships with local employers
    • Share internship and work-based learning opportunities
    • Help students connect classroom learning with workplace experiences

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Job Search &
    Hiring
    • Create and update a résumé and references
    • Search and apply for appropriate employment opportunities
    • Prepare for interviews and professional follow-up
    • Review résumés and applications when appropriate
    • Help students prepare for interviews
    • Discuss wages, benefits, schedules, and workplace expectations
    • Provide résumé and interview support
    • Share job fairs and employment opportunities
    • Connect students with workforce and employer resources

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Apprenticeships,
    Entrepreneurship &
    Family Business
    • Explore apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities
    • Learn about entrepreneurship and business ownership
    • Consider opportunities within a family-owned or operated business
    • Discuss apprenticeship and training options
    • Share knowledge about business ownership or family businesses
    • Help students understand the responsibilities of employment and entrepreneurship
    • Share information about apprenticeship and training opportunities
    • Connect students with business and community resources
    • Provide opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and career pathways

  • Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May:
    Transition to
    the Workforce
    • Prepare for workplace expectations and responsibilities
    • Learn about pay, benefits, taxes, and budgeting
    • Explore opportunities for advancement, training, and certifications
    • Support increasing independence and responsibility
    • Discuss budgeting, transportation, benefits, and financial planning
    • Encourage continued learning and career development
    • Provide workforce-transition resources
    • Connect students with employers and community partners
    • Share training, certification, and continuing career-development opportunities