In an effort to prepare elementary school students for the future and help with workplace success, the Family Resource Youth Service Center Director created Wildcat Workforce for one Barren County Elementary School. With this, the Barren County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Barren County Program Assistant partnered with the Family Resource Youth Service Center Director and Eastern Elementary School to offer a Job Application and Resume Workshop for Sixth Grade Students.

During the Workshop, students were given a pre-test to see what their knowledge of filling out job applications and resumes were currently. Students first learned about resumes. The importance of a resume was discussed as well as the parts of a resume. They were given a sample resume to fill out. Next, we covered job applications. It was discussed how resume and job applications differ, why job applications are important and how to fill one out. A sample job application was given. Finally, we talked about soft skills in the workplace and how everyone could work together to ensure a positive work environment.

Students were divided into groups for activities using soft skills such as teamwork and communication. These activities were timed and then students were able to share their experiences and talk about how/what could have made the tasks easier and more productive.

After having time to fill out resumes, job applications and participate in the activities, students were able to share what they had learned that day. From the post-tests, ninety-five percent showed that they had an increased knowledge of the information that goes on a resume. Ninety percent showed that they had an increase in understanding how to fill out a job application. Ninety-seven percent reported that they had a better understanding of why teamwork was important when trying to work together to reach a common goal. Ninety-five percent reported that the class was helpful to them in some way.

Additionally, all forty-five sixth grade students have been given a job responsibility within the school. These jobs consist of things such as: taking care of the school garden, helping in the front office, cleaning classrooms, making copies, and other various things.