High School Helpline title

with Cheryl A. Bastian

Helpline Phone in the color orange
Helpline Phone in the color orange
High School Helpline title

with Cheryl A. Bastian

We’re tackling some of the most common questions parents ask and sharing simple action steps to make it easy.

Question:
How do we prepare our high schoolers for an ever-changing job market?
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xperiential learning is highly effective when it comes to preparing high schoolers for an ever-changing job market. Experiences that are exploratory, project-based, and involve practical application help make connections for them and become valuable companions to the coursework we commonly consider part of the high school path.

Recently, a homeschooling mom of a soon-to-be graduate who had launched his own LLC commented, “I fostered a mentality of lifelong learning from the time he was little. Now when he encounters a problem he wants to solve or discovers something he wants to learn, he just digs in.” This young man is growing his knowledge in construction and transport while working in the field, making professional connections, and building interpersonal communication skills. I suggested he research the possibility of obtaining a general contractor’s license as soon as he meets the requirements. There’s no doubt in my mind this young man will succeed… He’s a lifelong learner!

This is one example of the endless opportunities home-based learners could use to prepare for an ever-changing job market, while earning high school credit. Following are three S’s—shift mindset, self-awareness, and skill acquisition—that can springboard teens toward their next steps.

Shift Mindset
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Encourage learners to recognize and apply what they are good at and what they care about.

  • Volunteer for an organization with a mission and clientele that matters to the learner
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Embrace new experiences and adventures as you shift their mindset toward lifelong learning and the recognition of the long-term benefits of an activity or experience.

  • Start a small business—pet sit, teach piano, give pitching lessons
  • Participate in a mission opportunity
  • Read to or play games with residents in assisted living or a memory care center
  • Be a part of an organization, particularly one where leadership skills can be fostered
  • Organize a community event
  • Mentor a young musician or athlete
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Encourage learning opportunities and activities which customize instruction, not solely memorizing content and satisfying college admission requirements.

  • Learn a trade or skill (woodworking, needlecraft, gardening, photography, home renovation)
  • Visit museums, historical or literary landmarks, art exhibitions, listen to author interviews, or participate in book chats and discussions
  • Publish creative writing or poetry
  • Participate in Toastmasters International or other speech and debate clubs
  • Join 4H, youth docent programs, or career specific organizations
Self-awareness
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Encourage the discovery of personal strengths and activities that bring enjoyment, perhaps through skill acquisition or while job shadowing, interning, or working part-time.

  • Observe a veterinarian
  • Work as a teacher assistant
  • Play in an orchestra or symphony
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Encourage high schoolers to use observation skills—how an office is decorated, conversations of co-workers, actions of management staff, office procedures—to learn about a specific job environment or office culture.

  • Practice opportunities to hone this skill while in the roles of patient, client, customer, and volunteer
Skill Acquisition & Development
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Encourage high schoolers to research or participate in activities not typical to a traditional college prep path.

  • Develop sewing, home maintenance, small engine repair, lifeguarding, personal finance skills, in addition to core courses
  • Create a community garden
  • Create a resume featuring athletic participation and accomplishments or employment
  • Run a 5K
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Encourage high schoolers to use discovered strengths, interests, and acquired skills in an educational or work setting.

  • Try a new modality for learning, perhaps audio book, library event, or voice-to-text
  • Assist a carpenter or other tradesperson
  • Become CPR certified
  • Lead a peer counseling session
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Encourage high schoolers to create a list of questions that could be asked of professionals working in careers of interest.

  • Offer to buy coffee or lunch for a professional and ask questions about the knowledge and skills needed for that field as well as what changes might take place in the next five years
  • Create a list of questions to ask coaches for camp or college visits—aspiring collegiate athletes
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Encourage high schoolers to make a list of interpersonal communication skills which would be helpful in a specific career field of interest or to a particular job opportunity.

  • Read a book or article, or listen to a podcast about interpersonal communication skills
  • Role-play interview scenarios
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Encourage service activities and volunteer opportunities.

  • Deliver Meals on Wheels
  • Read to residents in assisted-living facilities
  • Raise and train a service dog
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Encourage part-time employment in a particular area of interest.

  • Learn sound and video production with a church or local theater
  • Assist in a lawn care business
We are preparing our high schoolers for an ever-changing job market, much of which we cannot predict or fathom. However, graduates with a foundation of experiences, a lifelong learner mentality, and understanding of personal skill sets will be empowered with confidence to take the next steps and adapt to whatever circumstances may arise.
Cheryl Bastian signature
Cheryl Bastian headshot
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heryl Bastian has been married to Mike for twenty-eight years and began homeschooling in 1993. A mother of eight children—toddler through adult—Cheryl knows the trials and triumphs of embracing each season of life and is passionate about equipping and inspiring parents who want to nurture a desire for lifelong learning in their children.

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