L2IC JOB WIRE

Work, Integrate, Resources, Employment

When reflecting on the end of the year, consider asking yourself: What were my biggest accomplishments this year? What were the most significant challenges I faced? What new skills did I learn? Which moments brought me the most joy? What am I most proud of achieving? What lessons did I learn about myself this year? What would I do differently next year? What goals did I achieve, and which ones do I want to focus on in the coming year?

"Spending time reflecting at the end of the year can be a valuable way to connect with yourself and your values. This exercise provides an opportunity to assess what's truly important to you and what to prioritize in the future, which can help navigate your career goals and plans for the upcoming year."

"If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves." Maria Edgeworth

Home » Day One Blog » 40 End-of-Year Journaling Prompts to Inspire Reflection by Kristen Webb Wright. December 15, 2023. DAYONE Part of the AUTOMATTIC family. © Automattic.

"Agriculture in South Carolina with nearly 25,000 farms and 4.8 million acres of farmland, South Carolina is driven by agriculture. Agribusiness (agriculture + forestry) is the state's No.1 industry, accounting for 259,215 jobs and $51.8 billion in annual economic impact."

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster prepares learners for careers in the planning, implementation, production, management, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and services. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products. It also includes related professional, technical, and educational services, power systems, and environmental service systems.

A few careers in the agriculture, food, and natural resources field, along with their average salaries:

• Agricultural engineer: Designs new equipment and machinery, and advises farmers on land use. The average salary is $84,520.
• Agricultural equipment operator: The average salary is $42,680.
• Animal caretaker: The average salary is $31,450.
• Animal scientist: The average salary is $52,870.
• Farmworker: The average salary is $38,110.
• Biological technician: The average salary is $40,990.
• Soil and plant scientist: The average salary is $82,180.
• Forester: The average salary is $61,980.
• Zoologist and wildlife biologist: The average salary is $74,150.

© South Carolina Department of Agriculture 2024

Take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources workforce working to ensure our daily necessities are safe for daily consumption and use!

Ms. Amanda Poole's Agriculture Science and Technology, and Animal Science classes are quickly becoming a favorite with current students and staff. Students are studying different plants and animals, including caring for small animals, nutrition, habitat and grooming. They are learning to bathe dogs of various sizes, breeds, ages and personalities. Next semester the future workforce will expand their knowledge and hands-on skills with grooming, as well as, their knowledge about plants and other species that coexist with us.

L2IC CTE Agriculture Science & Technology & Animal Science program is December Career Focus.

Take a moment to love on your pets. They are always happy to see you when you arrive home!

Promoting current CTE programs and fulfilling local employers workforce needs are intentional goals at L2IC. One way this is accomplished is 8th Grade tours of the current programs in the building. The middle school Career Specialists provided career awareness presentations connecting classrooms to careers and administered career assessments. Then, all four Lexington Two middle schools participated in Midlands Education Business Alliance, MEBA, 8th Grade Showcase with over 80 business partners. Following the showcase, students completed a Google form with their name, name of their school and their first choice of CTE programs. The information was used to create small groups to tour L2IC CTE programs. The 8th graders were able to visit the CTE program most interested in and two related programs. Each CTE program prepared current high school students to share their CTE experiences, expectations, requirements and career goals with the middle schoolers. Other L2IC CTE students were designated student leaders to escort a middle school group to the three CTE programs assigned at L2IC. The goal was intentional focus from classroom presentations - career interest assessments - 8th Grade Showcase - Student choosing area of interest - L2IC CTE programs tour.

We are working together to promote CTE programs and prepare the future workforce.

L2IC CTE Digital Arts and Design Teacher, Ms. Kristen Arledge, is partnering with five 5th grade students at Cayce Elementary to design and develop a logo to screenprint. The 5th grade walked over to visit the Digital Arts and Design program. Current high school students in the program demonstrated different machines, applications, processes and outcomes within the CTE program.

Thank you, Cayce Elementary 5th Grade, for a taking a moment to visit L2IC.

L2IC CTE Business Teacher, Ms. Vonda Wright, connected her Advanced Personal Finance students with Ms. Missy Caughman, Director of Budget and Grants for the City of Columbia. She shared during the virtual meeting information about her position with the city such as the educational requirements and soft skills or professional skills required to be successful. She spoke of the financial operations of the City of Columbia, how it operates and the amount of money it takes to operate a city the size of Columbia. She also spoke on city taxes and utilities and how that money is allocated to aid the citizens of the city, as well as capital spending on projects, such as Finley Park in downtown Columbia.

Thank you to Ms. Missy Caughman for partnering with L2IC to prepare the future workforce!

L2IC CTE Health Science students took a moment to give and take blood. Blood donations are critical and can mean the difference between life and death. The future healthcare professionals partnered with Blood Connections to host a blood drive before the winter break. Students, staff and community members contributed to the blood drive. These students demonstrated excellent soft skills including communication , organization, following instructions and time management.

Thank you, Blood Connection, for partnering with L2IC Health Science to facilitate a blood drive!

South Carolina Department of Engineering, Mr. John Caver, Bridge Engineer, and Mr. Levi McLeod, Hydraulic Engineer, engaged L2IC CTE Intro to Engineering students on final testing day of their bridge designs. Students designed and created bridge designs using popsicle sticks. Then, with two engineers watching the students tested their designs using actual weights up to 120 lbs.

The engineers shared their personal career paths, education and training. Both provided industry expectations and requirements to be successfully employed.

Thank you to SC DOT for partnering with L2IC to engage future engineers!

Sorinex Exercise Equipment is the chosen leader for elite gymnasiums: the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bears, The University of Alabama, The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the United Air Force, and many more workout facilities. A 2012 graduate from Brookland-Cayce High School and Lexington Two CTE Welding completer, Patrick Levan, a Sorinex Manager, visited L2IC CTE current Welding students along with Kayleigh Hamel, Hiring Manager. They are actively seeking soon to be graduates to fill in-demand positions at their facility. Hamel shared benefits, competitive wages and consistent scheduling with current seniors and juniors, along with requirements for getting hired and employee expectations. Both Levan and Hamel connected CTE classroom to employment opportunities. To learn more about the company that started 40 years ago visit the website Sorinex Exercise Equipment.

Thank you, Sorinex Exercise Equipment, for visiting L2IC to connect with future welders!

April Donley-Chesser, Human Resource Manager, with Zeus visited L2IC CTE Electricity, Engineering and Welding students. She shared the advantages of Zeus Technical Academy, ZTA, opportunities and experiences. She shared industry hiring expectations, requirements, schedules, opportunities for advancement and more. Students seeking employment following graduation, having successfully completed a CTE program (Auto Tech, Electricity, Engineering, Welding),who are ready to work and earn as you learn should reach out to Mrs. Kimberly Plowden, Lexington Two Work-Based Coordinator at L2IC at email, kplowden@lex2.org.

Thank you, Zeus, for taking a moment to connect with L2IC's future workforce!

The detail and organization process to ensure the safety of our students to be transported from home to school and back home at the end of the day is extensive. The safety and ongoing maintenance of the vehicles, the training of drivers, coordination of daily routes, sporting events, field studies and students traveling to the Innovation Center for CTE programs. The schools have different start and end times from elementary, middle and high schools. Imagine having to coordinate this service on a daily basis. Many families rely on this service to get their students to school. Teachers, Coaches and Career Specialists depend on bus services to transport students to events and competitions throughout the academic year.

L2IC is thankful for the many bus drivers that provide transportation services for Airport and Brookland Cayce High Schools students to L2IC for CTE program classes and to the many work-based learning field studies on-site in our community.

Take a moment to thank the bus drivers and all of Lexington Two Transportation!

Did you know a resume is a living document? A living document is continually updated and edited. Each month you are employed, move to a new address, change jobs, complete training, education, or receive a promotion are only a few of the reasons to update a resume. Resumes need to be specific for each position you are applying. To do this, highlight skills and experiences that align to the job description and requirements.

Today many companies post positions online and streamline the application process with digital submissions. The first obstacle is to get past the Automated Intelligence, AI, when completing an online application process. To be successful with getting your resume through AI is to utilize key phrases from the job description posted. Digital does not mean lazy. You will need to be diligent with your research. Avoid using AI to write your resume. This sends a red flag to a potential employer. If you are not serious about writing your own resume, then how could you be willing to work. Integrity is honesty. It begins with the application process.

Research the company. Call and ask questions or request to tour the facility. Network! The more you know the better your position to advocate for yourself. Knowing the name of the designated Human Resource hiring manager means you will be able to formerly address a cover letter, follow up directly with a point of contact if you have questions, and to say thank you. Utilitze all of your positive connections with the hiring manager and the company in the cover letter. Networking is connecting. Once your resume is written, ask one or two others to proof read it before you submit it.

Take a moment to write your resume and be prepared for your future career!

Have you ever wondered what Santa did before he was Santa?

When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything -- from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn't until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.

Author Stephen Krensky provides an opportunity for students to learn about the trials and tribulations of finding a career that gives you passion, a sense of purpose and a good fit personally. The story enables great discussion between the career reader and students on how a person can benefit from life experiences and the importance of life skills such as perseverance, patience, flexibility, and more.

Virtual reading links to use in classrooms and schools and share with families:

How Santa Got His Job story time link: (ENGLISH)

https://youtu.be/kcCdocJZ7YI

How Santa Got His Job story time link: (SPANISH)

https://youtu.be/g4YjI95O4CU

Explore, Expand, Empower your future career with the following opportunities.

Lexington Medical Center's summer health career awareness program is sponsored by the caring donors of the LMC Foundation. The program is designed to introduce various departments in the health care industry to enthusiastic, bright high school students, who have a genuine interest in a health care related career. Participants complete three rotations through a variety of clinical areas, learning about various careers including professional and allied health careers such as Radiologic Technologist, Physical Therapist, Surgical Technologist, Nursing, Administration, and other patient support roles.

2025 Session Dates:

Session A: June 6 - June 27

Session B: July 11 - August 1

Students will be exposed to the day to day operations of the hospital through clinical rotations, interactive workshops, and field studies. Core hours are 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Field studies may be offered one or two days per week on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 1:30 - 3:00 PM.

Do I qualify?

Yes, if you meet the below qualifications:

• Lexington county resident or attending high school in one of the Lexington or Richland School Districts or a dependent of a Lexington Medical Center employee.
• Rising high school senior at the time of application submission.
• 2.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale.
• Demonstrate sincere interest in a health care field or working in a hospital setting.
• Partners are required to provide their own transportation to and from Lexington Medical Center.

Can students take time off for other commitments?

No. The Partners program is very competitive, students must commit for the entire three weeks. Exceptions will not be made for band camp, cheer camp, Governor's school, vacations or other summer activities.

College Scholarships:

Participants will be eligible for a $1000 scholarship to the college or university of their choice upon their high school graduation.

Application Process:

The 2025 Partners application will open on January 6, 2025 and run through February 14, 2025.

Questions?

Please email questions to partners@lexhealth.org.

As Lexington Medical Center, LMC, continues to build on excellence, we recognize the need to partner with L2IC to blend course work with real-life learning in order to prepare our future workforce in their career endeavors. The Job Shadow program is a work-based learning opportunity for high school students to guide and prepare themselves to be successful in their selected cluster of study. Only two students may participate from each school on designated dates. Students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade may participate once per school year and be in good standing which includes grades, attendance discipline. This experience is from 8:00 - 11:30 AM. LMC schedules the date, location and health care professional mentor based on the area of interest submitted on student's job shadow application.

If you are interested in shadowing a healthcare professional, send an email to me, kplowden@lex2.org. The next opportunity to Job Shadow at LMC is February 11 or 12. The LMC Job Shadow application is due January 21st. For additional dates and information, click here.

January 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM

This is a virtual program designed to connect industry, community and education partners to students, parents and educators around college and career readiness topics. Our feature presenter will be CERRA, which stands for Center for Education Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. CERRA's mission is to advance the education profession in South Carolina through teacher recruitment and retention efforts. During this presentation, students, parents and educators will learn about careers in education and opportunities in South Carolina for students who wish to pursue these careers such as teacher cadet programs in high school, scholarships, mentor programs and more.

Registration (may need to copy and paste into browser):

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EtQyhqvmS3i0N78I7xG5Tw

Thankful for MEBA, for partnering with L2IC for business connections, career readiness resources and ongoing support working to prepare the future workforce for successful employment.

January 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The purpose of this event is to introduce 11th and 12th grade students interested in engineering career pathways to programs at Midlands Technical College. Students will have the opportunity to visit each program and learn more about admission requirements, program expectations and more. Students will also hear from industry experts as they share their career experiences. Lunch is included.

*The ideal student would be interested in attending one of Midlands Technical College's engineering programs in fall 2025.

Registration is required and limited to the first 75 students on a first come, first serve basis. Please use the link below to register your school. Once your school is registered, you will need to send a roster with student names to Lisa Call at lcall@mebasc.com. Your school's registration will not be complete until the student roster is received.

Are you interested in experiencing the career of an EMS First Responder in real time? If you are serious about a career within health care, then this is a great opportunity for you!

• Connect with the employer
• Ride along with a superisor (14 -16 yrs) or in the ambulance (16 -18 yrs)
• Learn about many various emergencies: lifting and moving patients, vital signs, cold weather emergencies, traumatic injuries, respiratory and allergies, and much more
• Network with healthcare professionals
• Experience EMS and build your resume

The EMS Explorers program is used as a recruiting tool for full time employment following high school graduation, for interested students. This program provides hands-on experience for students planning to pursue nursing, becoming a physcian and other careers in healthcare. Many professionals work as EMS while continuing college education for other careers in health care.

Lexington County Explorers meet monthly. The program runs through the school year. There is a fee of $66.00 for the uniform and certifications for stop the bleed, CPR and BLS certifications. Students are responsible for their own boots and belt. The next meetings are:

January 6 and 13

February 3 and 10

March 3, 10 and 31

April 7 and 14

May 12 and 19

June 9 End of year

For more information, call #803-785-5057.

BELFOR Property Restoration is the North American leader in integrated disaster recovery and property restoration services with a location here in the Midlands of South Carolina. BELFOR Property Restoration if hiring for entry level positions with full-time benefit packages.

From field personnel to management, we look for passionate people to join our team. The more than 12,500+ employees who work for BELFOR around the world are BELFOR strong - determined and committed, skilled and knowledgeable, challenged and inspired, caring and engaged.

They BELIEVE in each other, in our company, in their communities, and in themselves. As a result they DISCOVER what they are capable of and are encouraged to EXCEL at everything they do.

BELFOR Columbia: https://www.belfor.com/en/us/belfor-usa-offices/south-carolina/columbia

Careers: https://www.belfor.com/en/us/about-us/careers

If you are interested in applying for any of these positions, you may reach out to the following representative: Michael Forsythe, BELFOR SOUTH CAROLINA, michael.forsythe@us.belfor.com, (803) 231-9990.

You have a choice! As you are deciding what your post-high school plan will be, please keep our ThinkBIG programs in mind if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Technician. We are excited to announce that we now have 2 options for this program: Diesel Technician for Heavy Equipment and Specialized Technician for Electric Power Generation. Both ThinkBIG programs earn an Associate’s Degree and graduates will be highly skilled, technically trained, in-demand members of the worldwide Caterpillar family with guaranteed employment with Blanchard Machinery upon graduation.

We are committed to finding the best candidates for these programs and starting them on the path to a great career! Programs begin in July of each year. Each program requires a student to meet entrance criteria at the college and be selected for sponsorship by the dealer. These programs are highly competitive with limited enrollment availability.

Blanchard takes the hiring process seriously. Not only do we make sure you are right for this program, you need to make sure this program is right for you. So, ask as many questions as you like and we’ll get the answers for you. It’s time you ThinkBIG about your future.

Call 803-791-7100 To Find Out More

https://www.blanchardmachinery.com/about/careers/think-big

The CPD's Explorer Program is dedicated to the success, training, and overall aptitude of the youth within its ranks. The Explorer Program consists of young adults between the ages of 14-20 years old, who are looking to make a career in law enforcement. Please use the following link to learn more. L2IC looking for assistance, email kplowden@lex2.org.

https://columbiapd.net/explorer-program/

There are many career opportunities in through water and waste water treatment in the Midlands Region and South Carolina. To learn more about these careers and how to prepare for them, visit: https://www.scworksmidlands.org/hydrocareers. (May need to copy and paste link into browser).

US Brick in Columbia, South Carolina, is a start-to-finish brick manufacturer for commercial and residential needs. The company acquired the site in 2020 and has already announced expansion plans. Employees are also reaping the gains of this long-standing facility that has a keen interest in making passion part of the manufacturing process.

Employment Opportunities

W. P. Law, Inc. offers work base learning experiences (WBL) for interested high school students. They are more than landscaping supplies. This family owned business designs, creates and installs beautiful fountains, irrigation systems for farms, as well as create stunning spaces for outdoor living. W.P Law, Inc. is ready and willing to offer WBL experiences in all departments from Accounting, Marketing, Technical Support, Systems Automation, Operations, Sales and Fountains. L2IC students interested in learning more through a WBL experience, reach out to me via email, kplowden@lex2.org or visit me next to the L2IC office.

Learn and Advance. Zeus Technical Academy, ZTA, is a two-year, full-time program that offers on-the-job training and manufacturing process instruction. It is paid time that prepares you for the next step in your career.

Participants complete in-state college coursework and gain real-time, on-the-job training throughout Zeus facilities. This allows participants to apply their knowledge and skills through job shadowing.

Best of all, students enjoy these financial benefits:

• Zeus completely covers tuition
• Class time is considered paid work time
• Top production rate pay for ZTA participants
• Mileage to/from schools and facilities is reimbursed.

Click on the video that follows to learn more about Zeus. Scan the QR code and learn more. L2IC students visit or email Mrs. Kimberly Plowden, WBL Coordinator to apply for the program today. My office is next to front office or email, kplowden@lex2.org

The SME Education Foundation annually awards millions of dollars in scholarships to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students pursuing two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in manufacturing or engineering.

With more than 60 distinct scholarship programs, the Foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees in technical fields that directly support manufacturing.

The Foundation offers merit and need­ based scholarships, issues renewing and one-time awards, and seeks applications from all eligible students, including but not limited to young women and underrepresented communities. The Foundation has awarded 18 million to over 5,000 future industry leaders since 2005.

Scholarship applications are accepted annually from November 1 – February 1. By submitting one application, you will be considered for every scholarship for which you are eligible.

Taking a moment to say "thank you" for a great 2024 year at L2IC!

Rest. Rejuvenate. Refocus.

We look forward to seeing you all return in January 2025!