New Back-to-School Shift Meets Industry Needs

Published 4:00 am Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Back to School is one of the most exciting times of the year- new backpacks, new shoes, and parents with a seven-hour block of time to fill. What could you accomplish in 7 hours? What if you could work for those 7 hours? Those questions and more are exactly what got wheels turning in the minds of HR at American Products in Strafford, MO. 

“So we were brainstorming to figure out what’s a good way to help us bring some people in, gain some traction with some of our openings…find a new group of people that could be able to help us fill some positions while also growing their career,” explained Victoria Gillham, Recruiter for American Products, Insight Solutions and Watson Custom Tanks. “We were throwing around some ideas, and we were like, ‘Why not a back-to-school shift? Why not have an opportunity for parents who may not be able to do a full-time thing?’ We were kicking that idea around, and the team loved it so we rolled with it.”

The idea, the concept, and the jobs are all brand new to the company and also the area, with only one other company potentially offering something similar in the food/retail industry, according to Gillham. The job itself is posted as a 9-3, Tuesday-Friday position during the school year with breaks and holidays that align with student schedules. 

“We can accommodate a slight shift change-there are some schools that maybe they need to pick up by three, so they would work 8:30-2:30…we just need to get it set in stone so we know when they are going to be here,” Gillham added. 

In addition to an adjusted work day, employees hired for the school shift will also get time off when school is out. “They will be able to have time for school breaks and holidays-they won’t have to worry about that…they’ll also be able to participate in our 401k,” Gillham explained. “If they want to work (during break/holiday) they are welcome to.” And this includes summer break. 

“That’s just the perk of this position!”

Since the program is still new, availability is limited to about 5-10 “Back to School Production Shifts” open to fill. For more information, go to amprod.us/careers. Base pay for these entry-level positions starts at $17 per hour with potential to earn more. 

Gilham also shared about an upcoming hiring fair.

“American Products is definitely growing right now; we also have multiple full-time shifts that are getting ready to be launched.”

“We are having a hiring fair on September 3rd from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. We will have onsite tours and onsite interviews…this would be a great opportunity to come out and visit us and see if it might be a good fit for them.” The job fair will be held at American Products, located at 597 Evergreen Rd. in Strafford, MO. Interested people may also contact Victoria Gillham by phone at 417-736-2135 and ask for Victoria.