Omaha, NE. Feb. 11, 2019 – Nebraska and Iowa’s largest, weeklong business/student collaborative learning initiative launched today, creating nearly 20,000 unique student experiences for more than 20 school districts, multiple universities and nearly 140 organizations in six counties February 11-17.
Careerockit (http://careerockit.com/), a no-cost program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, supporting sponsors and community partners at five regional chambers of commerce, pairs elementary through secondary students seeking engagement and information with regional businesses and nonprofits. The goal: to create career interest, grow the area’s talent pipeline and connect organizations with future employees. It is the largest endeavor of its kind in the Midwest.
Experiences in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Pottawattamie and Washington counties are custom-tailored to meet students’ needs, and are available in a variety of industries, spotlighting a host of careers.
“Manufacturers, in particular, are facing a workforce shortage. There are a lot of students that aren’t aware of all the opportunities in manufacturing with or without a post-secondary degree, with a skills certificate or a two-year degree. It is important that we expose students early and often to all these opportunities. They are our future workforce,” said Lozier’s Ralph Kleinsmith. Lozier is a Careerockit supporting sponsor.
Now in its third year, Careerockit, which has hosted more than 37,000 student experiences to date, has seen widespread program adoption by learners and businesses.
“We are big supporters of the Chamber’s commitment and desire to encourage students to find jobs locally once they graduate, helping to continue to grow our workforce,” said Cynthia Ray, project coordinator, BVH Architecture. “Teaching them about the different fields and companies available in the Omaha Metro is a big part of that. We, as a company, love and value education. We’ve worked on dozens of K12 campuses and have had the privilege of bringing 21st century learning into their schools. Opportunities like this give us the chance to be hands-on with students, letting us talk to them and share the design and architectural process. Everyone’s career begins with some form of encouragement or relationship. A student may choose to pursue architecture because of their Careerockit experience.”
According to a 2013 McKinsey & Co. poll, 50 percent of college students would opt for an alternative career – or university – given the opportunity to repeat their education, lending support to the assertion that early career exposure increases the potential for degree, and workforce, success.
“Careerockit facilitates a purposeful approach to early career education,” said Dee Baird, Ph.D., senior vice president, Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. “We’re proud of the many students, organizations and collaborative partners who, together, make Careerockit a continued success.”
Supporting Sponsors
Lozier, Metropolitan Utilities District
Community Partners
Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce, Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce
About Careerockit
A program of the Greater Omaha Chamber and supported by community partners, the Careerockit creates opportunities and bridges connecting the business and educational community in order to meet current and future talent needs. Participating organizations provide students and young adults with opportunities to move along the learning pipeline, gain applicable knowledge and build excitement for growing career options in their home communities.
About the Greater Omaha Chamber
The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. This is accomplished by advocating for a strong business climate, creating opportunities for member visibility and business connections, pursuing investment and jobs for the region, strengthening leaders and the community and enhancing the region’s brand and image.
CONTACT:
Jill Bruckner
Communications/PR Manager
Greater Omaha Chamber
402-978-7920
jbruckner@omahachamber.org