Career Connections of Western Nebraska Expands its Career Cabs Event in its Second Year

Tenth-grade students in the Nebraska panhandle will have an opportunity to explore different career paths through the second-annual Career Cabs event this fall. Students will visit four different workplaces in their desired career field and learn about the various job opportunities at each one. This program is made possible through Career Connections of Western Nebraska (CCWN) and many employers, educators, and community partners.

“A lot of young people want to stay in their communities if there are opportunities, but the perception is that the jobs are elsewhere,” says Craig Schroeder, board president of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development. “Only 17% of panhandle students say adults have talked with them about opportunities in their communities. We want to change that.”

The first Career Cabs last year was a resounding success, and Schroeder and the CCWN team of volunteers have expanded upon it this year. They collected feedback from students, councilors, teachers, and business owners to see how this event can improve. The second Career Cabs should provide even more value to Western Nebraska 10th graders. 

Career Cabs Lets Students Explore Four Workplaces in One Day 

Career Cabs brings together students from twenty-three high schools across the panhandle. The goal is to place students in target career categories and let them explore employers within those fields. This year, the Career Cabs represent the trades, healthcare, arts and media communications, business, education, agriculture, and natural resource industries.

Here’s what students can expect:

• The day starts with an introduction at the host high school in the north, central and south regions. This helps students understand what they can expect from the day. 
• Students will then board one of six buses, each of which is a Career Cab. 
• Each Career Cab will tour two businesses from the targeted industry in the morning and two in the afternoon. In between the morning and afternoon sessions, students enjoy lunch in the field. 
• The students will then come together for a group session in the afternoon. This will allow them to explore different career fields beyond the one they toured.

Two key modifications set this Career Cabs event apart from last year's. First, there are four business visits instead of three. Last year, students said they could arrive earlier if it meant spending more time with different local companies. Next, Career Connections of Western Nebraska added the final group session where students can learn about different industries. This is meant to support students who want to learn what else is available before committing to a career path.  

After the Career Cabs event, school counselors will follow up with students to discuss their experiences and develop plans to pursue specific careers or switch to other fields if they desire. 

Each Career Cab Option Highlights Different Positions

Another goal of the Career Cabs event is to prove that each field is not a monolith. There are dozens of positions within every company that require different skill sets and education levels.

“Many people believe that you need to become a doctor or a nurse to enter the healthcare field,” says Schroeder. “However, a hospital is staffed with many professionals including pharmacists, lab technicians, accounting staff, emergency medical staff, human resource professionals, and dietitians.”

Schroeder says the same concept applies to manufacturing and other fields. One company needs to fill dozens of different jobs with various education levels, skill sets, and work environments.

“There are many employers who are interested in working with high school graduates and training them on specific skills,” says Schroeder. “This framework is designed to show students many career options in their local area.” 

Career Cabs Are a Win-Win-Win for Western Nebraska 

Career Cabs is designed to support students in their quest to develop their future plans. Some students might fall in love with certain careers and seek out internships and summer jobs for employers. Others might decide to change career paths before they pursue four-year degrees or invest significantly in job training. However, Career Cabs provides additional benefits outside of the high school setting.

Employers have an opportunity to meet with potential employees and talk about the skills and education they need to succeed in the field. They are engaging with students who are specifically interested in these career pathways, which is more valuable than hosting a generalized field trip. It’s not just a day out for students, and some students have walked away from the Career Cabs event with internship offers or contacts to move forward with specific companies.

This program also benefits the community as a whole. It shows that there are reasons to stay in the region because there are jobs here. Students who stay or return raise young families, buy houses, support the local tax-base for education and public services, and shop at local businesses.  

“When someone comes back to the community, it’s not just a census impact of one,” says Schroeder. “That person actually has a community impact on average of three new residents. They bring their spouse and will likely have children.”

Schroeder adds that this person and their spouse bring skills, experience, and neighborhood support to the community as well. They provide intangible contributions that help the people around them and improve the quality of life in Western Nebraska. 

Career Cabs Supports A Greater Vision in Youth Development

Career Cabs is just one event that Career Connections of Western Nebraska and its partners put on throughout the year. It is part of a larger vision to connect students with their communities. The goal isn’t just to support job training and internships. It is to show how rural communities have employment opportunities, civic support, leadership development, and a high quality of life for graduates. It’s not just about individual jobs, it’s about the community’s future.  

Learn more about Career Connections of Western Nebraska and why events like Career Cabs are so valuable. You can also reach out to Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of the Twin Cities Development Association to get involved. Your business has a place in youth development and can help grow the community around you.