A workforce engagement program launched by a Delaware continuing care retirement community provides job opportunities for high school students and gives them a taste for senior living while filling job openings within the community.
Foulk Living in Wilmington launched its Student Workforce Engagement Program in May and found no shortage of interest among area students. The program places high school students in roles in its dietary department, providing them the opportunity to experience a hospitality-centered environment.
According to Foulk Living, which is managed by Life Care Services, the students learn to enhance their social skills, interact with older adults, and deliver customer service to the community’s residents.
“We strongly believe in supporting and empowering students who are interested in joining the workforce,” Foulk Living Human Resources Director Melody Black said in a statement. “For many of the students, it will be their first job, and with that in mind we want to be able to provide support and guidance to set every student up for success. Our goal is to place the students in positions that not only enhance their learning, but also prepares them for other job opportunities in the future.”
The program hired nine students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, from local high schools. The CCRC provided orientation and training for the students.
Black called the experience “heartwarming” for everyone involved. Residents enjoy the young people on campus, staff members are happy to have the help and energy, and the students have purposeful, rewarding jobs.
“The residents always compliment how nice and respectful the students are,” Black said. “That recognizes that they are really trying, and you can tell they are learning a lot.”
