HirePaths Helps Showcase Non-Traditional Paths

Before becoming a teacher, I was the owner of an auto business. One of the many challenges I encountered in that role was finding technicians of any kind. There is an incredible demand for auto techs, collision techs, bookkeepers and other staff, but not enough people to fill those roles. And those jobs are great! In fact, there were times when the techs would make more money than I did as an owner. But unfortunately, “trade jobs” are sometimes seen as unappealing, dirty or not what smart people should practice.

I wanted to help students find their callings and give back to my small-town community, so I left the auto business to teach. Now I’m about to begin my sixth year of teaching high school. When I encountered HirePaths and the mission of changing attitudes about a range of jobs, I wanted to get involved. I applied to become a HirePaths Ambassador and got the gig. As part of the role, I incorporated HirePaths materials into the social studies curriculum, which was fairly easy because trades and technology go hand in hand. Plus, from the teacher’s perspective, it gives you a chance to discuss the differences and changes of society and jobs through time. The lesson plans I created are available here. But the point is that non-traditional job paths are necessary for society to operate. Jobs like technicians can require one or two years of education, and then work starts — and so does the pay! It’s a wonderful path to pursue.

So, I started as a teacher with the intention of driving the importance of CTE and then using HirePaths and becoming a Teacher Ambassador helped me showcase the availability of careers in this region. Many students prefer to stay local because of family. Some want to leave. But whatever they choose, demand for these careers is high everywhere.

Kelly Kimerer was a 2023-2024 Dane G. Hansen Foundation HirePaths Teacher Ambassador. Kelly teaches middle and high school students at Glasco High School.