Year three of the Future 42 Mentors program has begun with 71 high school students having the opportunity to work alongside employees of four industry partners situated on U.S. 42.
Students from Carroll, Trimble, Henry, Gallatin, Owen and iLEAD Academy are partnered with a mentor at either Dow, Kentucky Utilities, North American Stainless or NUCOR Gallatin.
The group had their first encounter with their mentor in October and will return to their respective plants in February 2024.
Carroll County Area Technology Center Student Advisor Chad Rose said there are more students from electrical technology and welding taking advantage of the program this year. All students completed a Google form requesting their location and most, Rose said, get their first choice.
Not only do these students visit the industries that could potentially become their employers, but they receive help with resumé workshops, mock interviews and are honored at an annual banquet.
“This year we’re doing the same amount of stuff, but in two visits,” Rose explained. Last year, the students made four site visits.
“It’s all about experience and opportunity for kids to build a relationship with someone who could be a reference for them or help get their foot in the door,” Rose said. He and Jenna Gray, director of iLEAD Academy, choose the students each year.
Rose said the students take the opportunity seriously and engage with their mentors during the visits. “If you make a good impression it could mean a job for you,” he said.
The idea of Future 42 Mentors began when Rose, Gray and Heather Yocum, JCTC Carrollton campus site director, discussed how students could develop relationships with industry partners.
“They have all been amazing partners,” Rose said. The project began three years ago with a pilot at Kentucky Utilities involving 17 students and has grown into the 71 who are participating this year.
