Montana Department of Labor & Industry Releases Career Heroes Workbook Aimed at Third and Fourth Grade Students

The Montana Career Resource Network of the Department of Labor and Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau, is releasing a new career publication aimed at third and fourth grade students: Career Heroes. "I want Montana students to be ready for the 21st Century. This workbook is a great tool for some of our youngest students to learn about what jobs are available to them in Montana and to think about the skills and preparation needed for careers that don’t even exist today", says Governor Brian Schweitzer.

With fun career awareness activities on every page, Career Heroes uses the concept of trading card games to introduce students to the skills and tools used in today’s occupations. Workbook writer and illustrator Robert C. Marvin explains, "In trading card games, each character has its own special powers and abilities that are listed on the card. We thought it would be fun to give different types of workers their own trading cards and to list their "Feats Performed," "Tools Mastered," and "Special Training." The concept is to teach kids about the job requirements and education needed for different career fields in a way that’s fun and engaging."

The workbook divides careers into six types based on the Holland Codes: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. For each type, six occupations are described, each of which is accompanied by its own activity. The activities not only enhance career awareness, but also require students to exercise their reading, writing, math and art skills.

The second half of the workbook is comprised of additional activities designed to reinforce the lessons of the first half, and to get students thinking about their own career preferences. The final exercise allows kids to create their own cards featuring themselves as career heroes.

The Career Heroes workbook is available for free download at http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org and a copy will be sent to each elementary school in Montana. For printed copies please contact Donetta Clark or Shaunda Hildebrand at 1-800-541-3904 or by e-mail at [email protected].