The City of Hilliard joined Worthington Industries and Hilliard City Schools today to recognize 13 students for their work to construct new playground equipment at Hayden Run Village Park. The community effort was part of the students’ participation in the first-ever Worthington Workforce Experience, an 18-week program offered by Worthington Industries to prepare interested students for success in the manufacturing industry upon completion of their high school career.
The Worthington Workforce Experience combines educating students on career readiness skills, such as safety, communications, finance and problem solving, with hands-on techniques the students will use in their day-to-day work. Participants not only worked on-site at a Worthington facility, but also participated in classroom learning activities facilitated by the Company.
A key part of the Experience included a community involvement effort. The students worked with the City of Hilliard’s Recreation and Parks Department to construct playground equipment donated by Worthington Industries at Hayden Run Village Park.
“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of our friends at Worthington Industries, the hard work of our Hilliard students and the collaboration of the City of Hilliard’s Recreation and Parks team,” said Hilliard Mayor Don Schonhardt. “On behalf of the City of Hilliard and the young people whose voices and laughter will soon fill this park, I thank each of you who helped turn this idea into reality.”
In addition, several students officially signed letters of agreement at the event to join Worthington Industries this summer as either full-time or part-time employees.
“We are excited to have these students join our workforce,” added Lyttle. “At Worthington, we offer a career and not just a job. There is room to grow and starting on our manufacturing floor is the first step. Best of all, if these students choose to pursue a certificate or degree after they’ve started working, we will work with them through tuition assistance to pursue their goals.”
