Business hosts needed for job-shadow program

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement-Ozarks District and Springfield Area Human Resources Association are organizing the program to better prepare students to enter the work force. About one-fourth of the United States’ work force is expected to retire in the next five years because of the baby boomer generation.

Beginning Feb. 1, local high school students will visit businesses to talk with employers and shadow various employees. Employers will discuss the importance of workplace skills such as work ethic, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

So far, 13 businesses are on board for the program: Professional Massage Training Center, Central States Industrial, City Utilities, Brentwood Branch Library, Ireland & Associates, Bank of Bolivar, Walton Construction, Walnut Capital Management, Oxford Healthcare, Life Essentials Wellness Center, Springfield Contractors Association, Great Southern Bank and PJC Insurance.

Additional businesses are being sought, particularly in the areas of health care, human resources, marketing and management, according to Kristen Westerman, the chamber’s manager of work force and business development. To participate, businesses can contact Tina Moore with Drury University at (417) 873-7284 or tmoore@drury.edu.