Ready, Set, Work!

Ready, Set, Work! (RSW) is a program designed to develop job readiness skills and the motivation for continued learning for at-risk Burlington students aged 14-16. The program begins with an intensive 5-week summer session, which combines classroom based employment skills training 2 days per week and on-the-job work experience 3 days a week. Many participating students are transitioning from middle schools to high school and are recommended for enrollment by guidance staff or teachers. The summer program is followed up with a scheduled after school component during part of the school year to continue job skill development and maintain support connections for students. Students participate in team building and problem solving activities, research careers as well as their personal skills and interests, develop job search strategies, write resumes and cover letters, and conduct mock interviews. 

Career guest speakers and work site tours are integrated into the curriculum to expose students to a range of career options in area businesses and to understand professionalism on the job, employer expectations, and ways to make their employment search successful. Students are also matched with community employers for paid work experiences throughout the summer program. The classroom time also provides an opportunity to discuss work experiences the previous day and to jointly problem solve issues that arise on the job.

Students: Gain a “real world” job experience; learn job readiness, problem-solving and team-building skills; connect academic learning to on-the-job applications; refine their own career interests; learn more about their own community and the job opportunities that exist there; develop ownership of the high school increasing their likelihood of staying in school.