| Channel Industries, Local Businesses Sponsor Office Education Workshop
Nearly 300 local high school students learned about the workplace, etiquette, customer service and image at the inaugural Career and Technology Education Workshop held May 19 at San Jacinto College Central.
The workshop, sponsored by industry and business, provided a running start for students about to begin their first job experience as part of the business professional co-op program. Students represented South Houston, Pasadena, Sam Rayburn, LaPorte, Deer Park and Wolters Accelerated high schools.
“My students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop,” said Debbie Seibert, LaPorte ISD Career and Technology teacher. “I feel they came away with much needed information for their summer employment.”
Ben Meador, owner and CEO of Meador Staffing, kicked off the workshop in his keynote speech, urging the audience to do more than expected, follow company policy, not to be afraid to try new things and to present themselves in the best possible light when it comes to appearance, attitude and initiative.
Following Meador, the students went to breakout sessions with their respective
“tribes” -- the theme of the workshop was based on the Survivor television show. Twenty-four professionals from local industries and businesses facilitated the sessions, describing appropriate behavior, expected attendance, telephone etiquette, teamwork, customer service, initiative and personal discipline. A section also was held to acquaint participants in diversity practices.
Dr. Molly Helmlinger, LaPorte Independent School District superintendent, spoke to the group over a McDonald’s lunch when the students reassembled in the college ballroom. She presented an A-Z slide show encouraging the students to look at all aspects of their life, including school, career and family.
“It’s a matter of balance,” advised Helmlinger. “When all aspects of human need are taken care of such as purpose, goals, family, physical and spiritual health and reaching out to others, that’s when people can consider themselves successful.”
The workshop ended with a fashion show to highlight current looks in the business world.
Lisa Swigart, store manager of The Dress Barn in Pasadena, provider of the young women’s fashions, commented on the student models that were seniors from the participating high schools. Fashions for the young men were also featured. A consultant from The Men’s Wearhouse in Pasadena worked with three male students representing the participating schools to find the right image for interviews and a true business casual look.
“I enjoyed it and had a good time,” said Shaun Webb DPHS student and Washington Mutual co-op program employee. “There were lots of interesting people with important facts. Even though we knew some of the information, the presenters showed how important it was to apply it.”
The workshop’s planning committee members were: Denise Bryan, Rohm and Haas; Linda Havard, Dow Chemical Company, Mady Kades, Kades Corporation – McDonald’s Restaurants; Margaret McGreevey, Meador Staffing; Debby Treuil, BP-Solvay PE; Lee-Ann Davidson, Deer Park High School; Laura Horn, South Houston High School; Bobby Newcome, Pasadena High School, Debbie Seibert, LaPorte High School, Dana Tarter, Sam Rayburn High School.
The workshop was created from an idea sparked by the Chemical Administrative Support Team (CAST) of Shell Chemical LP in Deer Park. Participating CAST members were: Theresa Bunney, Vi Cooper, Theresa Filberth, Gina Gray, Lois Guthrie (Chair), Pam Manley, Brenda Martinez, Delois Semien and Glenda Taylor.
Support for the workshop was provided by Shell Deer Park, Meador Staffing, Lyondell-Citgo, Counterforce USA, BP-Solvay, San Jacinto College’s Facility Manager, Jerry Dyess and Video Tech Coordinator, Keith Hudson; Chevron Phillips, Lubrizol, CenterPoint, Altair Strickland, Hair by Popular Demand, Beyond Beaute, Atofina, Dow Chemical Company, McDonald’s, Rohm & Haas, Shell Federal Credit Union, Washington Mutual, DeLane’s Advertising and Casa Ole.
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