Wayland High School Senior Brianna Ribble who is participating in the School to Work program at Thornapple Veterinary as an unpaid intern, was offered a job after graduation. She plans to become a vet tech after graduation.
“Thornapple Veterinary Medical Center has confirmed that this is the career that I will be pursing after high school because of not only my love for animals, but also because of how much every staff member has taught me,” Ribble said. “I’ve always wanted to become a veterinarian, it’s just more now than ever. I enjoy spending a majority of my time at TVMC to further my knowledge of a variety of things and to learn more out-patient work. Such as how to approach a customer and what all needs to be done before a patient enters the exam rooms.
“One of the things I need to get more knowledge and experience with is medication. With the variety of medication we carry, it’s extremely difficult to get familiar with all of them. ”
The purpose of the School to Work program is to allow students the opportunity to take the skills learned in the classroom and apply them to the work force. The program is not viewed only as a co-op, but also can be a good internship approach as well.
The high school had one student in the first academic trimester who is a tool and die maker at Tool-n-die Inc. in Dorr. This trimester there is a receptionist at Robinson Dental. Next trimester a student who is going into restaurant management will do an unpaid internship in the management program through Big Boy.
The high school is currently working with other businesses in the area who are in need of employment where they can place students.
Student benefits of the program:
- Learn about strengths, interests, and special skills
- Provides career exploration and planning
- Enhances and enriches your academic experience
- Improves employability skills
- Helps develop knowledge and skills through hands-on experience
- Helps develop maturity and self-confidence
- Gain valuable work experience;
- Develop networking opportunities
- Earn high school credit
