CEA is a program developed and created by a group of business leaders from Vision Leadership of St. Charles County, Class of 2012. It was an idea that came to fruition in 2015. Business leaders wanted to give high students opportunities to job shadow, see the different job industries that are provided in our county. Before applying to CAPS, students can job shadow through CEA.
What is the Career Explorations Alliance?
The Career Explorations Alliance (CEA) creates a more prepared future workforce by building partnerships between schools and businesses and pairing students with professionals in our community that have knowledge and experience in a specific occupation or career field.
What is job shadowing?
Job shadowing is a unique opportunity for students to experience an occupation or profession for a short period of time, within the workplace. It involves following a professional for 2-4 hours, during a typical workday, to get a closer look at what a particular career field involves to determine if the job fits your strengths, interests, and career goals.
Why job shadow?
Job shadowing allows you to get an up close, first-hand view of a specific career field. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and to decide if the career field is a good fit for you. You’ll also gain a better understanding of the skills and education required to get a good job. Job shadowing provides you the opportunity to explore new interests and can help you decide on a major or career path. Most importantly, job shadowing allows you to practice soft skills. Soft skills are the traits that you need to be able to work with others in the workplace. Examples of soft skills are a positive attitude, communication skills, maintaining eye contact, and time management. The network you create while job shadowing can help you land an internship or job after graduation.
Who is eligible?
Applications are open to high school students in Wentzville, Ft. Zumwalt, Orchard Farm, Lincoln County R-III, Francis Howell, and St. Charles School Districts. Students must be able to provide their own transportation.
What types of occupations can I shadow?
How do I Apply?
Students interested in job shadowing with the CEA program must complete an online application. Applications for the Spring 2024 Career Weeks are closed. Check back soon for more updates.
Business Professionals
We are always recruiting business professionals to host job shadowing experiences in all industries. CEA could not operate and make a difference in the lives of area students without business professionals generously donating their time.
For more information, contact Erica Land, the Director at 636-443-4077 or Katie Cannavan at katie.cannavan@scccaps.org or call 636-443-4952.