The Union Career Connections program offers a variety of classes or programs designed to help young people connect with a career they are interested in pursuing. 

Manufacturing (Seniors Only)

Students are introduced to the multifaceted fields of the manufacturing industry – from 3D printing to electrical engineering. The first semester, students meet at the High School each week (2^nd – 4^th hours) with a TCC instructor. The class session consists of Manufacturing Curriculum (Safety, Processes and Procedures, Quality and Maintenance) through TCC to become a Certified Production Technician. For each assessment passed, students can earn up to 12 TCC college credit hours towards an Associate in Applied Science degree – Manufacturing Engineering Technology. All students earn industry certifications – OSHA 30 and Fire Extinguisher. 

Second semester, students are engaged in off-site internships each week (paid/non-paid). Drug testing is required for paid positions and students will need their own transportation. Also, Forklife Operator training is available for students who are 18 years old. 

Automotive Technician

Students have the opportunity to troubleshoot and repair automobiles with industry mechanics. One of our partners, City of Tulsa, provides students with industry mechanical coveralls, training and industry certifications. Students learn how to write work orders, issue parts, shadow the mechanics, along with shop safety and cleanliness. Also, class sessions for certifications are required and conducted onsite. Paid summer internships are available to those who qualify. Full-time employment is a possibility upon graduation for seniors. Drug testing will be required for a paid position. 

Construction

Students gain insight and knowledge of the trade and its many facets. They are paired with industry experts in all construction-related fields: construction, electrician, carpentry, architecture, project managers, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, etc. All students receive OSHA 10 Construction and OSHA 10 General certifications. Also, Forklift Operator training is available for students who are 18 years old. Drug testing will be required for a paid position and students will need their own transportation. Full-time employment is a possibility upon graduation for seniors.

Future Educators

Students are placed in district schools four days a week for student teaching experience. Students are required to attend a course on Foundations of Education once per week with Northeastern State University where students learn the essentials of providing successful learning experiences for children. College Credit, CPR/AED training, and College of Continuing Education from the University of Oklahoma is earned in this program. Non-paid internship.

Early Childhood

Students have the opportunity to work with preschool age children, infants – three-year-olds. Student internships are in quality childcare facilities that offer developmentally appropriate curriculum where they can learn best practices in caring for young children. Non-paid internship.

Students also have an opportunity for a paid/non paid internship at our district elementary schools’ Extended Day program. This internship consists of playing games and reading to students, assisting with indoor and outdoor activities, and helping students with homework. Drug testing and a background check is required for a paid position. CPR/AED training, Food Handlers Permit, and College of Continuing Education from the University of Oklahoma is earned in this program.

Culinary Arts

Students are placed in our district school kitchens and/or with industry partners to learn cleaning, fruit/vegetable preparation, chopping skills, baking, and all facets of kitchen management, preparation, and sanitation. This is not a cooking class, but rather a working kitchen with rigorous hands-on learning demands. Students earn a Food Handler’s permit, Fire Extinguisher training, and CPR/AED certification.  Non-paid internship.

Information Technology

Students are partnered with district IT Technicians or partner companies for a hands-on job internship experience where they will assist with work orders, troubleshooting, technical support, computer repair and many other duties. Students will receive a Dell Certification and Blender 3D Modeling training.

Non-paid internship. Paid summer internships are available to those who qualify.

Law Enforcement

Student Interns are partnered with district Security at the middle school campuses to patrol and monitor hallways, gathering areas, and experience appropriate protocols for security officers during events that warrant intervention. Students earn CPR/AED certification, and Fire Extinguisher training certificate. Non-paid internship. 

CNA/CHHA (Certified Nursing Assistant/Certified Home Health Aide)

Students learn entry level healthcare training in safety, infection control, the nursing process, elderly care, disease processes, etc. After completing the training and passing the state certification, students are engaged in off-site internships each week (paid/non-paid). Drug testing is required for paid positions and students will need their own transportation. 

School Apprenticeships (On Campus)

Students enrolled in School Apprenticeships will intern and aide teachers throughout the building, but they are not “office aides.” These students will work to assist teachers with projects and day-to-day activities within the scope of the classroom.  Apprenticeships are available in Art, Business, College and Career, FCLA, Sustainable U, Fine Arts, Global Gardens, REACH Peer Tutoring, and the U-Wear Store. 

Service Learning/Community Service

Students enrolled in Service Learning can work at other Union school sites OR meet the needs of the community in which they live. By enrolling in this class, students may elect to work with young children, the elderly, or the homeless community through charitable and/or non-profit organizations serving these groups of people. 

Job Shadowing/Internships

Students enrolled in Job Shadowing will be placed in a position to learn about a career field they wish to pursue once they graduate from Union. Job Shadowing work experience is temporary, unpaid exposure to the workplace where students walk through the workday as a “shadow” to a competent worker within the field the student has chosen.