The Job Shadowing Program provides students who express an interest in a specific trade with the option of visiting a shop or business that is aligned with their potential course of study. The job shadowing experience is intended to give the student a brief, all-inclusive overview of the daily workings of the business as a precursor for training and eventual employment in that trade.

Job Shadowing opportunities should be provided early in the student's high school program. Ideally, job shadowing occurs during the second or third phase of the exploratory program or early in the sophomore year; however students in all grades are eligible.

Students visit the worksites under the following conditions:

•  The placements are short term, 1 or 2 days maximum per site

•  Students are not compensated for the visit

•  Students do not participate in any hands-on work experiences

In most cases the experience reinforces the student's career choice. In every case the experience enlightens the student to aspects that will assist in making a better career decision.

As an incentive for the host, specific companies that contract to participate in the Shadowing Program are registered with the State Insurance and Management Board. Such registration provides general liability coverage for the company up to $10 million. Questions regarding the scope of coverage should be addressed to the office of the Insurance and Risk Management Board.

Coordination of the insurance and student participation occurs through the CWE Coordinator but can be structured by either the shop or guidance department.

Shadowing Guidelines

•  Student participation in the Shadowing Program is a privilege.

•  Students are selected for participation based on their program performance and compliance with school attendance and discipline policies.

•  Parental consent must be obtained prior to a student's participation.

•  Students are assigned to a designated location, and students do not leave the designated location.

•  The shadowing location shall be a safe environment, in compliance with OSHA standards.

•  A minimum of two students are assigned to an employee.

•  Students are transported to and picked up from the designated location using a school vehicle. With parental permission, students may drive themselves or be driven by a parent or guardian to designated shadowing locations. Employers may not transport students.

•  An employer participating in the shadowing program will assign employees who have been screened, and the screening should include a criminal history record review.

•  Students and their shadowing assignments must be identified each marking period/quarter/semester and submitted to Laurence Eiden in Central Office prior to the start of that marking period/quarter/semester.