From November 11 to 15, 2024, Darke County Economic Development (DCED) hosted Job Shadow Week, an initiative that provided 215 students from all eight Darke County high schools with hands-on career experiences through partnerships with 55 local employers.
The week-long initiative focused on three key goals:
- Providing students firsthand experience with careers they are interested in to help them make informed decisions about their future.
- Creating opportunities for students to practice professional communication and receive valuable advice from industry professionals.
- Showcasing the variety of local career opportunities available, encouraging students to consider staying or returning to Darke County to live and work.
The program offered more than 1,000 job shadow opportunities, allowing students to engage with professionals in a variety of fields and learn about careers available right in their community. Participants experienced 310 unique job shadow placements, ranging from healthcare and law enforcement to construction and the arts.
“Job Shadow Week offers Darke County students an invaluable opportunity to engage in exploring the diverse career possibilities available to them in their own community,” said Denise Elsas, Workforce Specialist at DCED. “By stepping into the workplace, students gain hands-on experience, connect with professionals, and see firsthand how their skills and interests align with local industries.”
Local employers recognized the importance of the initiative. Charity Shellabarger of Arcon Builders remarked, “Job Shadow Week allows the future leaders of our world to better understand the career path they are interested in. I believe a job shadow can truly help students decide if they want a career in a particular field. I hope they leave with a clearer picture of their future and excitement for what lies ahead.”
Students also found the experience eye-opening and enriching. Madison Ware, a student from Versailles High School, shared her positive experience: “Arcon Builders has the best team and are the most polite people! They helped me understand interior design to the next level and were so considerate of my questions.”
Job Shadow Week is part of DCED’s broader efforts to connect students with local career opportunities through programs like STEAM Camp and Impact STEM2D. By fostering strong relationships between schools, employers, and the community, DCED aims to support the development of a skilled and vibrant workforce.
For more information about Job Shadow Week or other DCED initiatives, contact the DCED Office at 937.548.3250.
A Special Thank You to All Participating Companies:
A Cut Above, Arcon Builders, Barga Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Beanz Buttercream, Brethren Retirement Community, Brumbaugh Construction, Bruns Animal Clinic, Classic Carriers, Cooper Farms, DA Music Studio, Darke County Airport, Darke County Common Pleas Court, Darke County Garage, Darke County Health District, Darke County Parks, Darke County Sheriff’s Office, Darke Rural Electric, Direct Tooling, Divinity Salon & Day Spa, Dr. Stephen Stentzel, Easrey & Associates, EverHeart Hospice, Family Health, FAS – Financial Achievement Services, Final Bow, Fort Recovery Industries, GNB Banking Centers, Greenville CORS Head Start, Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, Haney Landscaping, Invictus Tattoo, JAFE Decorating, Jesse Peters, Katie DeLand, Klockner Pentaplast, Law Office of Rudnick, Hosek & Pendl, Lehman Chiropractic, Littman Thomas Agency, Midmark, Mote and Associates, MTNA, Park National Bank, Pepcon/Poeppelman Materials, Phelan Insurance, Pohl Transportation, Production Paint Finishers, Recovery and Wellness Centers of Ohio, Snap Fitness, Spirit Medical Transport, Superior Aluminum, Total Image, Versailles Dental, Village of Versailles, Wayne HealthCare, Weaver Eggs, and Whirlpool.