Earlier this summer educators from area schools were able to tour many of our Preble County businesses to learn more about their daily work and what students may need to do to be prepared for the workforce. Having this opportunity both educators and business professionals were able to exchange the employee needs from business and how educators can mold their curriculum for students who are our future workforce.

The businesses who hosted over the three days were: Neaton Auto Parts Manufacturing, Ohio Means Jobs, Edison State, Kettering Health, Greenbriar, Olde Schoolhouse Winery, Henny Penny, Eaton Fire/EMS, Preble Arts, Drake HVAC, IBEW Local 82 (Electrical Trades), SMW Local 24 (Sheet Metal Trades), Pratt (Lewisburg Container), Parker Hannifin (Lewisburg), and the Preble County Park District.

As teachers reflected in a survey one commented, “I learned that businesses are looking to hire motivated individuals who are willing to work hard. I learned that many of these businesses will train employees on the job.”

Another Preble County educator shared, “This was a great opportunity, as a teacher, to get out into the community to see and learn of the career opportunities that are out there for our students. I am taking some time to read about Six Sigma, Lean Thinking, and Kaizen” to share this in the classroom.

All three days of tours were very beneficial for all involved! We want to send a big thank you to all the businesses who helped to make this happen for the benefit of educators and then students who are our future workforce.