PreK-12 Program
Spark
A multipoint plan to develop a workforce that supports existing industry and attracts future industries.
- Early childhood development
- Manufacturing focus in schools
- Work based learning with industry
Developing a workforce from the ground up is about exposing students to a wide variety of career paths in hopes of igniting a “SPARK” of motivation then building the hard and soft skills required for success on that career path.
Ignite the Spark
GRADE SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ignite
Manufacturing Kids Camp
Stoke
Career days, Industry Field Trips, and Mentoring Program
Build the Skills
HIGH SCHOOL AND WORK BASED LEARNING
Fuel
Industrial education curriculum and workforce co-op
Grow
Establish a functional Industrial Education Center
History
In 2017, a representation of Industries in Panola County gathered to discuss what issues face the Industry. Consensus focused on the inadequacy of the workforce to meet current and future needs. The symptoms described by attendees included:
- Absenteeism
- Turnover
- Unsafe employees
- Untrained employees
- Employees unfamiliar with the cadence of manufacturing
Working Toward a Solution
- The Panola Partnership Workforce Development team is working to institute a culture change focused on giving the future workforce the soft skills required to succeed. (Communication, Punctuality, Teamwork, Problem Solving, ETC.)
- Panola Partnership, North and South Panola High Schools have been working with the State Department of Education to add a manufacturing focused curriculum to their existing CTE (career technical education) programs with two main components designed to teach hard skills.
- A classroom curriculum for High School Sophomores and Juniors (IME – Industrial Manufacturing Education)
- A Work Based Learning program for High School Seniors who have completed the IME curriculum. Students enter into facilities to acquire an overall understanding of the manufacturing environment and gain work experience.
Creating a Workforce Culture Change
Changing the makeup of a workforce requires a concentrated effort to make sure future employees possess the
- Soft Skills
- Hard Skills
- The "SPARK" of Motivation
Early Childhood Development
A cooperation between faith communities, government organizations, and schools will work to support families in providing children with the skills and opportunities to thrive to adulthood.
Manufacturing Focus in Schools
In Panola County, Education happens at school and historically has not interacted with industry. As a result, graduating Students are not prepared to join the manufacturing workforce.
The Spark Program is designed to intertwine students with industry throughout their school career and provide work-ready employees to the industries that helped educate and develop them.
Interactions with Industry
Grade School
• Manufacturing Kids Camp
Students participate in activities designed to expose kids to the different aspects of the manufacturing process, with participation from manufactures in Panola County.
Middle School
• Career Days at the high school career center
• Field Trips to manufacturing facilities
Activities throughout the year designed to give students an idea of what a manufacturing facility looks like and why they are important in MS.
High School
• Industry guest speakers
• Career Fairs
• Mentoring
Introduction to the different career paths available in the manufacturing industry.
10th & 11th Grade - IME Curriculum
12th Grade - Industry Work-Based Learning (Co-op)
Development of work skills at various levels.
Spark Award
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