ROWAN COUNTY — Next month, Rowan-Salisbury high school students will shadow area professionals in fields of interest to them. Between now and then, the school system’s career and technical education coordinator, Kresen Whitmarsh, is looking for organizations and businesses to take part in inspiring the next generation.

“We invite you to open your doors to our students on Feb. 1. for National Groundhog Job Shadow Day,” Whitmarsh said in a Facebook post. “Join us in this enriching job shadowing experience that will leave a lasting impact on both your business and the future workforce.”

Groundhog Job Shadow Day takes place annually on Feb. 2. Since that is an RSS work day, the school system is recognizing the national event on Thursday, Feb. 1. The day enables students across the nation to get an up-close look at the specifics of an actual job and how the skills they learn in school can be put into effective action, in line with the jobs. On this day, students from across the country shadow scientists, firefighters, mechanics, doctors, teachers and every other type of profession.

Last year, the program matched more than 230 students to a career site of their choice. 

Why should a business or organization consider being a host site for Job Shadow Day?

• Shape future leaders: Contribute to the growth and development of aspiring professionals by providing them with firsthand insights into your industry.
• Build stronger connections: Forge meaningful connections with motivated students who bring fresh perspectives and energy to your workplace.
• Enhance your corporate culture: Showcase your company’s values and ethos, creating a positive image among future talent.
• Invest in tomorrow’s talent: Identify potential future hires early on and foster a pipeline of skilled individuals passionate about your industry.

“The more hands-on, the better,” reads the registration page. “We want to grow our partnerships and build the talent pipeline in our area. Hosting a student to shadow you for the day — is a great way to build that pipeline and prepare students for the world of work. CTE will share pictures from the day with the local media and help spread the good news of your partnership with our CTE students!”

During the 2023 event, the Post shadowed some of the job shadowers as they went to the Spencer Fire Department, Ranchside Veterinary Clinic and Touch of Grey Tattoo & Piercing Studio.

At Touch of Grey, East Rowan High senior Carmella Raiti was one of the students who got to use the tattoo machine and practice on a material designed to simulate human skin. Raiti knew she wanted to go to a tattoo parlor on job shadow day, and since she had been to Touch of Grey for piercings, she was not in uncharted territory. 

“I have been here a few times, and I have always loved the experience,” Raiti said.  

Although the skin was fake, the tattoo machine she used was real. 

“The (machine) is a little heavier than a regular pencil, so it was hard to get used to at first, but once I did, it was fun,” Raiti said.

Teachers, police, tattoo artists, entrepreneurs, cosmetologists, engineers, salesmen, social media marketers, skilled workers and more are needed. To register, go to the Rowan-Salisbury Schools career and technical education Facebook page or go to Tinyurl.com/jobshadowday24.