Seven MHS students learning through JaysWork program

Marshfield High School recently hosted a Career Commitment Signing Day to recognize seven students who are taking the next step in their professional careers through JaysWork.

JaysWork is a course offering that allows students the opportunity to participate in a structured combination of school-based and work-based learning through employer-paid apprenticeships and internships.

Joined by their local employers, the students signed agreements that will help them work toward earning a Nationally Recognized Apprenticeship Certification sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The event brought together teachers, students, staff and other key figures from the Department of Labor, including Jeremy Schmitz, and local community leaders like Betty Costco as well. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for students participating in JaysWork, an initiative that connects classroom instruction with hands-on learning in the workplace.

“We’re really focused on preparing our students for the future, not just with academic knowledge, but with real-world skills that will help them succeed in their careers,” said Cammy Harrison, Marshfield High School instructor and JaysWork Advisor. 

"Through programs like JaysWork, we’re able to offer students a chance to see what a career looks like before making any long-term decisions. They can try out a job, gain experience, and determine if it’s the right fit for them.”

The JaysWork program is a key component of Marshfield High School’s career and technical education (CTE) department. Students enrolled in JaysWork are paired with local businesses to gain valuable work experience while earning a certification that can open doors to future employment or further educational opportunities.

“Being able to connect the classroom with the workforce is so important,” Harrison explained. “These students are not only learning the theoretical knowledge in school, but they’re also applying it in a real-world setting. That connection between education and industry is something that’s incredibly valuable both for the students and for our community.”

While many of the students in the program have a strong interest in the fields they’re exploring, some have realized that the apprenticeship experience isn’t what they expected. Harrison noted that this is exactly the outcome the program is designed to foster.

“One of our interns has already realized that the career path they were pursuing isn’t for them,” Harrison said. “That’s exactly why we offer these opportunities. It gives students the chance to experience different careers before they invest years in a profession. Some of these students will go on to college for fields that require additional education, while others will transition directly into the workforce.”

The Career Commitment Signing Day not only highlighted the achievements of the seven participating students, but also underscored the role that local businesses play in shaping the future workforce. By offering students a chance to develop their skills in real work environments, the program helps build a strong, skilled community.

“We’re not just training students; we’re also strengthening our community,” Harrison concluded. “By giving students the tools to succeed and encouraging them to stay and work locally, we’re investing in the future of Marshfield.”

JaysWork apprentice Linzie Eilenstein is finding her future at Hubble Elementary. Linzie currently works as a Teacher’s Aide Apprentice and spends time helping students at Hubble with reading and sight words.

Linzie chose to participate in Jays Work because she wanted to get some early experience working with students and being in the classroom before college. Linzie hopes to gain experience working with kids as well as build relationships with the students and teachers.

Linzie’s future plans are to go to college and major in Elementary Education. She would like to one day teach 5th grade, and possibly return to Marshfield.

While Linzie and Bailey aide teachers at Hubble, JaysWork intern Michael Alves is finding his future at Fulltron Aviation.

Michael’s goal is to gain more experience in being a private pilot and get an inside look on what goes into being a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor). He recently obtained his private pilot license which is a huge step into reaching his goals. He chose to participate in the JaysWork program because it allows him to spend more time during the day focused on learning and training at Fulltron Aviation. Michael’s goal is to become a commercial pilot.

JaysWork apprentice Logan Medlock is finding his future at Marshfield Buildings. Logan hopes to gain more carpentry knowledge and skills through this experience. Logan’s future plans are to continue working and learning with a goal to use the skills learned to build his own house and maybe one day start a business.

JaysWork student Bradley Shipman is job shadowing a physical therapist at CoxHealth Marshfield. Bradley chose to participate in the job shadow experience to determine if he would like to pursue a future career in sports medicine. Bradley’s goal is to complete the required shadowing hours now so he can enter the accelerated PT program at MSU in the fall.

Marcus Medina is a JaysWork Cook apprentice at Grillo’s. Marcus has goals of managing his own restaurant in the future. Marcus is career-focused and finding his future at Grillo’s.

JaysWork apprentice Kylie Green-Beck is finding her future at Marshfield Veterinary Clinic. Kylie chose to participate in JaysWork Internships and Apprenticeships this year because she wanted to explore and learn through hands-on experiences about careers in veterinary medicine. She hopes to gain knowledge and experience that will give her a greater chance of success in her future career.

Sage Schweighauser is a JaysWork apprentice with the Marshfield Schools IT Department. Sage wanted to be a part of this program to learn about what working in a technology department is like. Sage hopes to get some job experience and a general understanding of working. Sage is also looking forward to learning how to do certain repairs and similar things with technology.

Sage plans to go to college and earn cybersecurity certifications. Sage is finding her future with the Marshfield Schools IT Department.

JaysWork apprentice Samantha Davis is career focused through the hands-on learning experiences at Jim Huffman Stables. Samantha’s goal is to learn how to raise and train quality show horses. She also hopes to learn what to look for in a good quality horse and what makes them a good show prospect.

Samantha chose to participate in JaysWork this year, because she wanted the opportunity to work toward her career goals and learn outside of the school setting.

JaysWork intern Dawson Harrod is learning about careers in the construction industry through his internship at Marshfield Lumber. Dawson is participating in JaysWork with the goal of learning through hands-on experiences and finding his future career.

With more students expected to join the JaysWork program in the coming years, the initiative continues to serve as an important bridge between education and career success.