Work Experience

Nothing tops work experience for students preparing to graduate, whether they’re entering the work force, attending trade school, community college or a university. 

To start, students can check in with the following resources:

• If you have an interest in a specific career field, ask you counselor, parent or family friends to connect you with work opportunities in your community. 
• Check job boards at your school. 
• Work permits and FAQs about youth work guidelines.
• Work-based learning. Some students might be able to work during the school day and receive school credits. Students should check in with their school and counselor for work-based learning opportunities. 
• Summer Work Program through CTE for students who have an open case with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (typically students have an IEP or a 504 plan). If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact Tory Thrush at (231) 582-8070.

Char-Em work experiences

Char-Em ISD is always looking for opportunities to give students real-world experience and exposure to career paths. 

Job Olympics

Each Spring, Char-Em ISD Special Education hosts a day of events for program students, known as Job Olympics. Students participate in a variety of “events” that are skills they’ll need in the real world – at home and in the workforce. Examples of activities include sorting recyclables, doing laundry, stacking groceries on shelves, making beds, custodial work, plumbing repair, First Aid, and much more. Students are awarded with medals at the end of the day for excelling in certain events. Area students volunteer to assist at each event station, as do members from the community and the ISD staff.