Cherokee High School and a local businesses have partnered for a statewide initiative to increase work-based learning opportunities for students.

Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education and the Governors Office of Workforce Development, the Teachers in Industry projects goal is to give teachers on-site experience with employers where their students might be placed for work-based learning experiences.

All Cherokee County School District high schools offer work-based learning opportunities for students, who earn elective credit for employment in jobs relevant to their plans for post-secondary study and future careers. Students are also given schedule flexibility to exit school early in order to do this work.

Teacher, Susanne McCardle, the Career Pathway Facilitator at Cherokee High School, recently partnered with D & D Manufacturing Co., Inc. in Canton as part of the program.

During her 20-hour, onsite work experience, Ms. McCardle assisted in the office, met with company officers, explored the welding shop and learned about the companys history. D & D Manufacturing Co., Inc. is a locally owned and operated metal fabrication shop, established in 1963, that provides experienced service in fabrication, laser cutting, welding and machining.

Ms. McCardle said this inside look into the industry will be helpful to her when advising students about Career Pathway and work-based learning opportunities. While there, she also observed a work-based learning student from Cherokee High School, senior Rolando Raymundo, who recently was hired to work part-time, processing purchase requests. Rolando, she said, is learning to estimate costs and provide formal quotes to customers. She also saw two, recent Cherokee High School graduates at work for the company as welders.

The companys support of Cherokee High School, Ms. McCardle noted, also includes participating in its new, annual job fair and offering students work-based learning and post-graduation employment opportunities.