“I want to work!” is the mantra of many of the students I serve regarding their plans after high school. Realizing that many work options students identify as possibilities do not equate to a living wage, it was time to get to work myself. This summer I had the opportunity to do my externship with Idaho AFL-CIO. This placement was the perfect answer to expand my knowledge and ability to support my students with thoughtful development of individualized Transition Plans for life after high school.

I had the pleasure of attending the annual Idaho AFL-CIO Convention which provided me with exposure to networking with individuals from a variety of different trades along with experiencing the processes and procedures within the union. I gained tremendous insight into the endless amount of career opportunities, workforce training and youth programs in the state of Idaho for those not interested in pursuing a traditional education through a college or university.

I also worked to support the Communications Coordinator with updating information and contact records and exploring a variety of tools, platforms and opportunities to strengthen communication amongst membership and organizations. When we weren’t in the office developing opportunities and future plans, we were out visiting job training sites and opportunities available to those who choose to pursue an alternate path into a career and the workforce.