News : Job Shadow: V-S student pursues interest in career as athletic trainer

VS student Devon Ankney was among recent job shadowers at Fit 2 Live Gym in Iowa City..

On October 27, 2010, Devon Ankney, a Vinton-Shellsburg High School student, exercised her options and energized her future through a job shadow with an athletic trainer.

The V-S teen spent part of her school day at Fit 2 Live Gym in Iowa City learning about the expectations, potential earnings and the daily challenges and tasks of the professionals that work there. The Workplace Learning Connection coordinated this event for 12 students from 10 area high schools.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 37 percent from 2008 to 2018. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos294.htm) With advanced technology in preventative therapy and injury treatment, as well as the emphasis on enhanced athlete performance, this is a career field that can really flex its muscles!

Devon learned by participation through a variety of therapy exercises. The athletic trainers showed her how they use tennis balls to increase flexibility and PVC pipes to stretch muscles. As one participant stated, “It was truly amazing to see them use easy, inexpensive items and see immediate results!” Ankney also got to show off her physical strength by performing one-legged squats. Ouch!

The Vinton-Shellsburg School District partners with the Workplace Learning Connection with the goal to connect today’s V-S students to tomorrow’s eastern Iowa careers. Through job readiness and career exploration tools such as job shadows, Benton County students will be equipped with 21st century skills, setting them up for a bright future. For more information about career education events, contact Ms. Hamilton at the high school guidance department, or log on to www.workplace-learning.org.